Dental X-Rays
Dental X-rays are essential tools in oral healthcare. They allow dentists to diagnose issues not visible during a regular checkup, revealing cavities, impacted teeth, bone loss, infections, and other abnormalities in the teeth and jaw.
The process for dental X-rays includes:
- Preparation: A small sensor or film is placed in your mouth.
- Positioning: The dentist adjusts the X-ray machine, and you may be asked to bite down or hold the sensor/film.
- X-ray Capture: The dentist steps away, activates the machine, and asks you to stay still and hold your breath briefly.
- Image Processing: The X-ray images are processed for review.
- Review and Analysis: The dentist examines the images to assess your oral health and create a treatment plan.
The number and type of X-rays you need depend on age, oral health, and specific concerns. Your dentist will determine the best approach, taking radiation safety into account. If you have concerns about radiation exposure, discuss them with your dentist, who can explain the risks and benefits based on your situation.
Medical organisations recommend using the lowest necessary radiation dose to obtain valuable diagnostic information.
What are the side effects from dental x-rays?
Dental radiograph risks
Dental X-rays are generally considered safe and involve very low levels of radiation. The radiation exposure from these X-rays is significantly below harmful levels. To minimise this exposure, dentists implement protective measures, such as lead aprons and collars, as well as digital imaging techniques that emit less radiation than traditional film X-rays. The benefits of dental X-rays, such as early detection of oral health issues, typically outweigh the minimal risks of radiation exposure. Dentists take X-rays only when necessary, based on individual patient needs.
The likelihood of developing cancer from dental X-rays is extremely low, as the radiation dose involved is well within recommended safety limits.
It is essential to be particularly cautious with X-rays during pregnancy. Pregnant women, or those who suspect they may be pregnant, should avoid all types of X-rays. If a patient believes they are pregnant, they should inform their dentist, who will seek safe alternatives to manage oral health while ensuring the well-being of both the patient and the baby.
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We are proud to be preferred providers with most major health funds, allowing our patients to maximise their health cover benefits and access quality care at greater value. To make treatment more accessible, we also offer a variety of flexible payment plans, helping individuals manage the cost of their dental care in a way that best suits their financial situation.
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