My Blog
Archive:
- 2019
- 2018
- 2017
- 2016
- 2015
- 2014
- 2013
Tags
- celebrity smiles (69)
- braces (13)
- orthodontics (14)
- oral piercings (1)
- oral health (19)
- wisdom teeth (5)
- bad breath (2)
- oral hygiene (20)
- common symptoms (1)
- New Port Richey (2)
- Veneers (9)
- cosmetic dentistry (15)
- teeth whitening (6)
- bleaching (1)
- discolored teeth (1)
- stained teeth (1)
- fluoride (2)
- Dental Implants (24)
- retainers (4)
- periodontal disease (1)
- gum disease (7)
- dental implant (3)
- thumb sucking (3)
- pediatric dentistry (14)
- bonding (2)
- jaw surgery (1)
- smile makeover (2)
- Dental Checkup (1)
- CEREC (2)
- oral cancer (2)
- Healthy Veneers (1)
- brushing teeth (1)
- orthodontic treatment (10)
- tooth extraction (1)
- dentures (1)
- Reviews (1)
- root canal (1)
- tads (1)
- flossing (2)
- teething (3)
- ClearCorrect (1)
- bridge (1)
- tmj disorders (3)
- tmd (1)
- tmj (1)
- dental anxiety (1)
- topical fluoride (1)
- Laser Dentistry (3)
- teeth wear (1)
- Cerec Crowns (3)
- crowns (5)
- partial denture (3)
- Clear Correct (3)
- pediatric care (1)
- implant overdentures (1)
- abscessed tooth (1)
- dental crowns (1)
- antibiotics (2)
- diabetes (2)
- artificial sweeteners (1)
- tooth grinding (1)
- root canal treatment (1)
- tooth decay (3)
- restorative dentistry (3)
- dental emergency (1)
- dental injury (6)
- mouthguards (2)
- mouthguard (1)
- clear braces (1)
- nutrition (2)
- athletic mouthguards (1)
- gum recession (1)
- porcelain veneers (4)
- Gum Pain (1)
- chipped teeth (1)
- fillings (1)
- teeth grinding (2)
- plaque (1)
- adult braces (1)
- apioectomy (1)
- medicine (1)
- chipped tooth (2)
- oral heath (1)
- bone grafting (1)
- tooth pain (1)
- toothache (1)
- sugar (1)
- Damaged Teeth (1)
- crown (1)
- Crowns & Bridges (1)
- gummy smile (1)
- bridgework (1)
- tooth wear (1)
- removable partial denture (1)
- tooth loss (1)
- x-rays (1)
Categories:
My Dentistry Blog
Posts for tag: x-rays
X-ray imaging is such an intricate part of dentistry, we usually don't think twice about it. Without it, though, the fight against dental disease would be much harder.
At the same time, we can't forget that x-rays are a form of electromagnetic radiation that can penetrate human tissue. It's that very quality and the difference in the absorption rate between denser bone and teeth and softer diseased tissue that makes disease diagnosis possible.
But this same penetrative power can potentially harm the tissues it passes through. For that reason when practicing any form of x-ray diagnostics, dentists follow a principle known as ALARA, an acronym for "As Low As Reasonably Achievable." In lay terms ALARA means getting the most benefit from x-rays that we can with the lowest dose and exposure time possible.
While practicing ALARA with x-rays is important for patients of any age, it's especially so for children who are more sensitive to radiological energy given their smaller size and anatomy. We can't use the same settings, dosages or exposure times with them as with an adult.
To protect children, dentists have developed techniques and protocols that lessen their exposure time and rate, while still providing usable images for diagnosing disease. The bitewing is a good example of safe and effective pediatric x-ray imaging.
A bitewing is a plastic device holding exposable film that patients bite down on and hold in their mouth while x-raying. The x-rays pass through the teeth and gums and expose the film behind them on the bitewing. Using a bitewing we can capture a set of two to four radiographs to give us a comprehensive view of the back teeth, while exposing the child less radiation than they normally receive daily from background environmental sources.
This and other advances in equipment and digital imaging greatly reduce the amount of radiation patients receive during x-rays. If, though, you're still concerned about your child's x-ray exposure, talk with your dentist who can explain in more detail the x-ray safety protocols they follow. Just like you, they want your child to be as safe as possible while still benefiting from the diagnostic power of x-rays.
If you would like more information on safety precautions using x-rays with children, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “X-Ray Safety for Children.”
