Dental x-rays/radiographs are the image of teeth with low level of radiation that is helpful to evaluate oral health. They are diagnostic, and can also be preventative. They help a dentist to diagnose potential oral care issues in patient’s mouth before they become a major problem. Children may need to have dental x-rays more often than adults so that growth of permanent teeth are monitored. Actually a tooth has two parts visible part and the embedded/ hidden part. So the x-rays are helpful in knowing the status of hidden part, also it gives a confirmatory answer for the treatment to be rendered. So to sum up, radiographs (X-rays) complements dental treatment.
Risk involved in dental x-rays
The dental x-rays do involve radiation exposure but the levels are so low that they are considered safe for both children and adult. If dentist used DIGITAL x-rays instead of film the radiation exposure is lowered drastically. Still precautions like the thyroid collar around neck and lead apron prevents any unnecessary exposure to the vital tissues. Pregnancy is one condition where thyroid collar and lead apron should be strictly adhered to before X-rays exposure, but still as a recommendation should avoid as much as possible.
