Dr. De Leon uses dental X-rays as a diagnostic and preventative tool to detect problems that are unseen clinically. Dentists use these X-rays along with other information gathered from the exam to make an appropriate and comprehensive treatment plan. Without X-rays, dentists may misdiagnose or miss vital information to protect your oral health.
Dental X-rays may reveal:
Abscesses or cysts.
Bone loss.
Cancerous and non-cancerous tumors.
Decay between the teeth.
Developmental abnormalities.
Poor tooth and root positions.
Problems inside a tooth or below the gum line.
It is best to discover potential problems before they escalate and lead to pain or even losing your teeth!
Are dental X-rays safe?
Did you know that you receive more radiation from an airplane flight than dental x-rays?
4 Bitewing X-rays (routine X-rays) is equal to about 1 day of radiation from nature.
Dr. DeLeon values your safety and exposure to radiation. We have protective lead aprons and also digital sensors that require less exposure time than traditional film X-rays.
How often should dental X-rays be taken?
Every patient has different dental needs and risk factors. Dr. DeLeon will determine the appropriate X-rays and frequency depending on your medical and dental history.
Full mouth X-rays are recommended for new patients to have a baseline set of images to compare future X-rays and are usually good for about 3-5 years
Bitewing X-rays are typically done once ever 1-2 years during your routine checkups/ cleanings to detect any cavities that may have started or progressed.