Dental X-Rays?

There are times x-rays are needed more than once a year, such as when a patient has very active decay, and there are situations where I recommend them less than once a year when a person has no history of dental disease and no restorations. Dental x-rays are relatively low cost when compared to most radiographic procedures. The radiation dose has been consistently lowered since x-rays have been used for medical purposes. A traditional radiograph has been compared to the radiation of watching TV for 30 minutes. Radiation exposure has been lowered exponentially over traditional radiographs with the advent of digital x-rays. Radiation exposure is lowered up to 1/100th of what conventional x-rays are. If you are concerned about this, seek a dental office with digital radiographs, and you can lower your family’s exposure greatly. I have used digital x-rays for years; they are great and the wave of the future in all areas of radiography.

- Mark D. McOmie, D.M.D.