Digital Dental Radiographs
inspect, detect, and treat if necessary
X-Rays
Dental x-rays (radiographs) are an essential diagnostic tool that reveals information otherwise not visible on clinical inspection. With prevention and early detection as our goal, dental radiographs represent an invaluable tool to accurately detect hidden dental abnormalities and pathology.
What do dental radiographs show? Dental radiographs provide information that is often critical to instituting successful treatment as well as revealing disease and related issues that would otherwise remain hidden. Dental radiographs assist in effectively evaluating:
- Levels of jaw bone support, a critical element in detection and monitoring gum disease
- Eruption of teeth, missing teeth & impacted teeth
- Problematic tooth and /or root positioning
- Decay between teeth
- Decay below large fillings, crowns and bridge work
- Status of a root canal treated tooth
- Pathology (abscess, cyst, tumors, etc.)
- Developmental abnormalities
How often should dental x-rays be taken? Dental x-rays are prescribed on a patient specific basis. These are however generally recommended schedules for x-rays to be taken:
Complete Set of X-rays (Full Mouth Series)- A complete x-ray series is generally recommended as part of a new adult patient examination and generally thereafter repeated every 3-5 years
Cavity Detecting X-rays (Bitewings)- It is generally recommended that bitewing x-rays be taken as part of recall check-up visits every 1-2 years
Are dental radiographs safe? Rest assured that every effort is made to limit radiation exposure to our patients. Firstly, x-rays are only prescribed as needed instead of taken as a screening tool. When x-rays are taken, we are extremely careful to limit radiation exposure through the use of a lead apron with thyroid collar, lead lined x-ray operatories and fast films that reduce radiation exposure time.
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Frequently Asked Questions
X-rays let Dr. Novack see what is happening below the surface, between teeth, below the gumline, and inside the bone, catching cavities, infections, and bone loss early.
Yes. Dental x-rays use a very small amount of radiation and are considered safe, and Dr. Novack only recommends them when they add real value to your care.
It depends on your history. Dr. Novack recommends a schedule based on your individual risk for cavities and gum disease, not a fixed default.
Most dental plans cover routine x-rays as part of preventive care. Our team will confirm your specific coverage.
You can discuss this with Dr. Novack. X-rays are an important diagnostic tool, and without them some problems can go undetected until they are more advanced.
