What to Expect During a Dental X Ray

 

Nearly half of American adults have untreated tooth decay, and many more have untreated toothaches. What’s causing all these people to seek care?

Untreated dental problems end up costing people tons of money, both on the front end with higher dentist bills and on the back end with extra surgery costs. Untreated teeth problems also can cause severe damage to teeth and surrounding areas.

You can seek care by going to a dentist for continual checkups, or you can catch problems immediately with a dental x ray. What is a dental x ray and what should you expect when going to the dentist?

If you find yourself curious about this aspect of dental care, then keep reading to learn more.

Importance of Dental X Rays

Dental Exams and X Rays are important diagnostic tool that provides detailed images of your teeth, bones, and supporting structures. The x rays can help your dentist detect problems such as tooth decay, gum disease, and infections. They can also help identify structural issues, such as fractures or alignment problems.

X rays are a type of electromagnetic radiation, and they can be harmful if you are exposed to too much of them. However, the amount of radiation you are exposed to during a dental x ray is relatively low and is not considered harmful.

How to Prepare

As with any medical procedure, there are certain things you can do to prepare for your dental x ray. First, it is important to arrive on time for your appointment. This will help minimize any anxiety you may experience and allow the dental staff to complete the procedure in a timely manner.

Inform the dental staff if you are pregnant, have any metal implants, or have any other medical conditions that may be affected by the x ray. Finally, follow the instructions of the dental staff during the procedure and try to relax. The process is quick and relatively painless, and you will be one step closer to achieving optimum oral health.

How They’re Done

You can expect the dental hygienist or dentist to place a small piece of lead apron over your body to help protect you from x rays. You will be asked to bite down on a small film holder or bite block, which will help the x ray machine focus on the area being imaged.

The machine will be positioned directly outside of your mouth. You will be asked to remain still while the x ray is being taken. The procedure is quick and simple and should not cause any discomfort.

Road to Dental Health

Overall, getting a dental x ray is a relatively painless and quick process. It only takes a few seconds, and you should only feel a slight pressure on your teeth and gums. After the x ray is complete, your dentist will review the results with you and develop a treatment plan if necessary.

So if you’re due for a dental x ray, there’s no need to worry – just sit back and relax.

Browse our blog for tips on maintaining your overall health now and in the future!