What Are Dental X-Rays?

A visual examination is not always enough to provide all the information needed to treat your dental concerns. This is where dental X-rays come in. Also known as dental radiographs, dental X-rays help see inside and between your teeth. They detect problems that are not visible to the naked eye. 

The best part about getting a dental X-ray, apart from quick detection of dental problems, is that it is painless. If you visit 20th Avenue Dentistry in Lakewood, Colorado, you can rely on us to provide you with a wide range of dental treatments and services, including dental X-rays. 

Problems Dental X-Rays Detect

Dental X-rays can help detect problems like:

• Small areas of decay that are not visible during a visual examination
• An abscess (infection occurring at the root of a tooth or between the tooth and gum)
• Decay underneath an existing filling
• Cysts or any other type of tumor
• The position of the teeth to assist in determining the kind of implants, braces, or dentures required
• Bone loss that usually accompanies gum disease

How Often Are X-Rays Performed?

The frequency of dental X-rays varies depending on the patient’s dental issues. If you are a new patient, your dentist may recommend an X-ray to evaluate the current state of your dental health. 

If you have recently suffered from gum disease, you may require an X-ray every six months. If you go to the dentist regularly and haven't been diagnosed with any dental disease in the last few years, you might only need an X-ray every couple of years.

Are Dental X-Rays Safe?

Dental x-rays are perfectly safe. They involve only a low level of radiation that doesn’t harm adults or children. 

There are stringent guidelines in place to keep radiation exposure low. The exposure is reduced with the use of a lead apron, a lead shield, and even a lead thyroid collar if the patient requires it. 

If you want to get a dental X-ray done, contact our team at 20th Avenue Dentistry by calling (303) 238-1400 or visit our dental clinic at 7575 W 20th Ave, Suite A1, Lakewood, Colorado 80214.