SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - It's common for patients to be concerned about the safety of X-rays, though the reality of X-rays is that they are safer and more effective than they have ever been before. San Francisco dentistry providers like Dr. Greg Larson can only learn so much with their five senses, and X-rays allow them to see below the surface. Dentists can gain even more insight into a patient's oral health by viewing tooth and bone development below the gum line.
Larson, a cosmetic dentist in SF, takes advantage of modern technology by using digital radiography to monitor patients. Radiation levels are 90 percent lower with this method compared to traditional X-ray technology. Digital radiography is a more green method as well, since it doesn't require dangerous chemicals to develop the images.
X-rays increase the efficiency of modern oral care. They allow dentists to anticipate problems that may occur in the future, and they can better evaluate a patient's existing level of oral health. Patients with higher risks of developing periodontal disease or tooth decay will require X-rays more often than patients with healthy, decay-free teeth and gums. Patients are different, and the frequency of their X-rays will also differ. There are many reasons why patients may need dental X-rays, but here are a few of the most common ones.
It's the Patient's Initial Visit
A patient will generally need X-rays taken on his first visit to a new dental practice. This lets the dentist know about any present oral problems, and it also gives the new dentist a reference for that patient's oral health. At the next visit, the dentist will have these initial X-rays to refer to. The new dentist may even choose to contact the patient's previous dentist for copies of past X-rays.
The Patient Wants Cosmetic or Restorative Procedures
Many patients want to improve their smiles with cosmetic procedures or correct their smiles with restorative dentistry techniques. The dentist will want to make sure nothing has changed beneath the surface of the patient's gums before he applies porcelain veneers or implants replacement teeth. The X-rays allow dentists to have all the facts of a patient's oral health before starting cosmetic work.
The Dentist Needs to Check for Hidden Decay or Infection
Even patients who practice exemplary oral hygiene can show signs of infection or decay. Sometimes infections occur beneath the gums or at the base of a tooth, and digital X-rays are the only way to discover these issues. Dentists also use X-rays to find cysts or tumors that the human eye cannot detect. X-rays help dentists spot miniscule signs of decay lodged between two teeth, and they also show bone deterioration that could accompany periodontal disease. A dentist can only treat a patient after he has a complete picture of the patient's oral health.
The Patient's Teeth are Still Developing
Pediatric dentistry patients experience more growth and movement in their mouths than grownups. Dentists need to watch the development of permanent teeth and monitor the shedding of primary baby teeth. This closely screened care ensures children have enough space for permanent teeth to erupt normally. Tooth decay can be hard to see in youngsters, and X-rays uncover signs of decay more clearly than the eye can. Dentists also use X-rays to detect the placement of the third molars or wisdom teeth. Digital technology can even predict whether the wisdom teeth will erupt normally or if they'll become impacted.
Patients need not worry about radiation exposure with contemporary digital X-rays. With lowered radiation levels and less chemicals, X-rays are not only safer than ever, they're also essential for dentists to see what's going on beneath the gums. Patients can inquire about the type of X-rays used in their dentist's office, and they should feel comfortable discussing any anxieties with their dental team.
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Learn MoreTo learn more about Larson Dentistry, visit http://www.larsondentistry.com/ or contact their office at 415-397-2804. About Us
The Larson Dentistry team offers extensive dental care for San Francisco patients. Dr. Greg Larson stays current in his field by attending more than 200 hours of continuing education each year and mentoring other dentists worldwide.
Have the best dental practice business plan before implementing any Dental X-rays.
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