Digital X-Ray

Are dental X-rays really necessary?

Preventative dental care can't happen without dental X-rays. Most parts of your teeth are invisible to the naked eye. X-rays let Dr. Wechsler see the inner parts of your teeth to evaluate your overall health more comprehensively.

For example, Dr. Wechsler uses X-rays to check the insides of your teeth for signs of decay, such as under an existing filling. He can also see if any decay is present between your teeth. An X-ray can diagnose the bone deterioration that results from gum disease.

In addition to diagnosing dental conditions, Dr. Wechsler uses dental X-rays to plan the placement of dental implants, orthodontic treatments, and other dental procedures.

When should I have dental X-rays taken?

If you aren't at an increased risk for cavities or decay, you may be able to wait two to three years between dental X-rays. More thorough X-rays are needed every three to five years to examine the health of the roots of your teeth and the surrounding bone.

Due to their fast-paced growth rate, children need more frequent dental X-rays. X-rays show dentists if a child’s teeth are coming in the right way and if an orthodontic procedure is necessary.

Are dental X-rays safe?

Dental X-rays are safe for patients of all ages and health conditions. X-rays do require a small amount of radiation to create the images of your teeth and bones, but the amount of radiation needed is so tiny it puts you at almost no risk. Thankfully, advancements in dental X-ray technology have significantly reduced the amount of radiation needed.

Dentists and their team take as many as 10 to 15 X-rays a day. Even though they step outside the room during the X-ray process, they're still exposed to some level of radiation. Even with this increased exposure, dental professionals are not more likely to get cancer than other professions.

You can still have X-rays if you’re pregnant. To protect you, Dr. Wechsler cloaks you in a special apron and thyroid collar.

Call or schedule an appointment online if you haven’t had dental X-rays in over two years or you're due for a dental checkup.