We are often asked, by our patients why dental x-rays are necessary. So, we want to explain the different types of x-rays we take in our office and explain why they are necessary.
Bite-wing X-rays, also known as cavity detecting x-rays are taken annually and help the doctors see early decay/cavities between the teeth. This decay, in early stages, would not be visible to the naked eye during your exam. Early detection and treatment of cavities is far less costly than waiting for the decay to “show itself”, which often results in the need for a crown or sometimes even a root canal.
A single tooth x-ray or “PA” is taken when you are having painful symptoms that are localized to one area. These are taken as needed or when indicated and help Dr. Eric and Dr. Lindsey see the whole tooth from root to tip, or crown. This type of radiograph can show abscess, tumors or root anomalies.
Every 3-5 years we also take what’s known as a full mouth series of xrays. These help us get a comprehensive picture of your teeth and allow us to evaluate bone level, detect indicators of periodontal disease, and also assist in early cavity detection.
Occasionally we may also take a panoramic x-ray, this is needed to evaluate impacted teeth and will help in early detection of infections or tumors, often before a patient would experience symptoms. This type of film can also help in diagnosis of fracture or TMJ.
As many patients are concerned with the amount of radiation that is received from these x-rays, we want to inform you of the statistics. The maximum annual radiation permitted for workers in the US is 50.0 mSv. The average exposure from digital bite wing X-rays is 0.02mSv. Flying across country would expose you to more radiation (0.04 mSv) than your annual cavity detecting x-rays.
Our ultimate goal in taking radiographs is to ensure your overall health. We want to diagnose disease before you notice symptoms, learn of a systematic issue, or need more costly treatments. If you have any further questions, feel free to call the office and ask.
We appreciate you!
HAPPY NATIONAL TRIVIA DAY!
Here are some fun Dental facts for you to share today.
Did you know that...
🐘 An elephant’s tusks are actually modified incisors? Or that an African elephant can go through six sets of molars in a lifetime? A single molar can weigh more than 8 pounds!
🦟 Mosquitos have 47 teeth.
🐌 Snails have many rows of teeth, a single snail may have anywhere from 2,000 to 15,000 teeth. Aquatic snail teeth have been deemed the strongest biological material known to man.
💪 Tooth enamel is the hardest tissue of the human body.
Happy Holidays!!! Today is our final day of being festive and treating patients in 2019.
We close today at 5pm and will reopen, to see our amazing patients, on January 2, 2020 at 8am.
If you have an emergency that needs immediate attention while we are closed, call the office number and follow the instructions left on our answering machine.
See you next year🥂
Well ho ho ho! Miss your faces merry Christmas 🎁🎄
Merry Christmas!! Enjoy your much deserved time off!!
🎄🎅🏻🎄
Have a Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to my Hosek Dentistry family!!!
Congratulations to Dr. Lindsey Hosek Engle for completing another The Dawson Academy course, The Art and Science of Equilibration.
