Originally published September 16, 2016.
IF YOU COULD HAVE any superpower, what would it be? Would you choose super strength? How about the power of flight? Maybe you'd like the ability to see through solid objects! While those powers may not be easily attainable, x-ray vision is!
Today, dental x-rays are an essential tool in helping dentists detect and diagnose tooth decay and other issues that may not be visible during a routine exam. Don't worry, x-rays are safe and protective measures are taken to limit your exposure to radiation. If you have any questions, your dentist is happy to help!
X-Rays Were Discovered By Accident!
X-rays were first observed in in 1895 by German physicist Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen (1845-1923). Roentgen accidentally made this discovery while conducting an experiment testing whether cathode rays would pass through glass. After covering the glass cathode tubes he was using for his experiment, he noticed a glow coming from a nearby chemically coated screen. He was unsure what rays were causing the glow so he dubbed them “X-rays” for the time-being, and the name stuck!
Roentgen is also credited with discovering their medical use. The first photograph of a human body part using X-rays is actually his wife's hand!
You might also be interested in reading 5 Stages of Tooth Decay Too Risky to Ignore.
They Help Spot Problems Early
Dentists quickly realized their value in detecting dental problems that would otherwise be invisible to the naked eye. They can show cavities, gum disease, and even bone loss.
With their help, dentists can detect problems in their early stages and provide more effective treatment. Dental X-rays allow us to detect and diagnose tooth decay between teeth, on hard-to-reach surfaces, and under existing dental work. They can even be helpful in identifying dental and orthodontic issues that exist beneath the gum line-something that was impossible without invasive procedures before they became widely available.
You might also be interested in Patient Stories: How Tim’s Fear of the Dentist Disappeared.
We Have Your Safety In Mind
But don't worry about their safety. Today's modern dental X-ray machines use very low doses of radiation, making them safe for patients. Dentists also use lead aprons and thyroid collars to protect patients from unnecessary exposure to radiation.
If you are pregnant and in need of them, be sure to tell your dentist. They will be sure to use the leaded apron and thyroid collar during your exam to protect you and your fetus from any radiation. Dental X-rays do not need to be delayed if you're breastfeeding or trying to become pregnant, but talk to your dentist if you have any questions or concerns.
So if your dentist recommends them, don't be afraid! It's a safe and important tool that can help keep you healthy for years to come.
Prevention Is The Key To Healthy Smiles
We want to keep your mouth as healthy as possible and preserve your beautiful smile. That's why it's essential that we discover and diagnose the earliest sign of a problem. X-rays are an essential tool in helping spot these problems that might otherwise go unnoticed.
If you have any questions about dental X-rays, give us a call!
We'd love to speak with you about this or any other questions you may have.
You might also be interested in Smile Brighter and Healthier: Why Routine Professional Teeth Cleanings are a Must.
Here's to your health!
Featured Image: Photo by Jonathan Borba on Unsplash
