What Every Houston Dentist Wants You to Know About Dental X-Rays
X-rays are an invisible part of the electromagnetic spectrum capable of entering solid objects. Here, they are either absorbed or continue to pass through the object. The denser the object is, the more it tends to absorb X-rays.
Because teeth and bone are very dense, so they absorb X-rays. Gums and cheeks, being much less dense, allow X-rays to pass through more easily.
This is why, when a Houston dentist takes your X-rays, that your cheeks and gums always look darker and lacking in detail, and why your teeth show up as looking much lighter. Fillings are even denser than bone, so they show up looking like solid, bright areas. Cavities, however, will show up as looking like darker patches on the teeth.
There are X-rays taken with film, and there are X-rays taken with Digital Radiographs. The X-rays behave in the same manner in both scenarios, but the digital electronic sensor instantly interprets the data and sends it to a computer, which in turn generates an image on the screen.
While people always get nervous about any form of radiation, it should be noted that the X-ray machines used by Houston Dentists emit only an extremely small amount of radiation. One or two exposures is never going to hurt anyone. However, the effects of cumulative doses can have negative impact on cell growth and vitality. This is why Houston dentists and other medical professionals always use X-rays on a very judicious basis.
We also take several precautions to further protect the patient from unnecessary radiation exposure. These steps are practical and beneficial for all parties involved.
1. X-ray dosage is limited by limiting the width of the beam only to the area being x-rayed. Normally, this is an area less than 3 inches in diameter.
2. Routine checks and licensing of all machines to make sure they are producing precisely the desired amount of X-rays and no more.
3. Some Houston dentists drape still drape lead aprons over their patients to provide them with an added precaution and peace of mind. These aprons are no longer really necessary, but they certainly do not hurt and often help put the patient at ease.
4. Digital radiography, more than anything else, has reduced the amount of radiation used in X-rays by as much as 80 percent, thanks to superior technology.
Here at the Houston Medical Center Dental Group, we strive to give our patients the very best bedside manner combined with dental medicine’s latest technology. Our use of digital radiography and intraoral cameras has made our Cosmetic Dentistry Center renowned throughout the city as one of the most advanced dental diagnostic and patient friendly Houston dentist offices in town.
If you are past due for a checkup and worried about things such as dental probes and primitive X-ray film that you have to bite down on, consider coming in for an appointment to see one of our specialists and explore the new worlds of comfort and cosmetic joy that advanced technology and specialized cosmetic dental services can offer to your smile today.
Because teeth and bone are very dense, so they absorb X-rays. Gums and cheeks, being much less dense, allow X-rays to pass through more easily.
This is why, when a Houston dentist takes your X-rays, that your cheeks and gums always look darker and lacking in detail, and why your teeth show up as looking much lighter. Fillings are even denser than bone, so they show up looking like solid, bright areas. Cavities, however, will show up as looking like darker patches on the teeth.
There are X-rays taken with film, and there are X-rays taken with Digital Radiographs. The X-rays behave in the same manner in both scenarios, but the digital electronic sensor instantly interprets the data and sends it to a computer, which in turn generates an image on the screen.
While people always get nervous about any form of radiation, it should be noted that the X-ray machines used by Houston Dentists emit only an extremely small amount of radiation. One or two exposures is never going to hurt anyone. However, the effects of cumulative doses can have negative impact on cell growth and vitality. This is why Houston dentists and other medical professionals always use X-rays on a very judicious basis.
We also take several precautions to further protect the patient from unnecessary radiation exposure. These steps are practical and beneficial for all parties involved.
1. X-ray dosage is limited by limiting the width of the beam only to the area being x-rayed. Normally, this is an area less than 3 inches in diameter.
2. Routine checks and licensing of all machines to make sure they are producing precisely the desired amount of X-rays and no more.
3. Some Houston dentists drape still drape lead aprons over their patients to provide them with an added precaution and peace of mind. These aprons are no longer really necessary, but they certainly do not hurt and often help put the patient at ease.
4. Digital radiography, more than anything else, has reduced the amount of radiation used in X-rays by as much as 80 percent, thanks to superior technology.
Here at the Houston Medical Center Dental Group, we strive to give our patients the very best bedside manner combined with dental medicine’s latest technology. Our use of digital radiography and intraoral cameras has made our Cosmetic Dentistry Center renowned throughout the city as one of the most advanced dental diagnostic and patient friendly Houston dentist offices in town.
If you are past due for a checkup and worried about things such as dental probes and primitive X-ray film that you have to bite down on, consider coming in for an appointment to see one of our specialists and explore the new worlds of comfort and cosmetic joy that advanced technology and specialized cosmetic dental services can offer to your smile today.
Labels: dental x-rays, digital dental radiography, digital dental X-rays
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