Anyone who is a new patient at their dental office or maybe you haven't been there in a long time will need to have full mouth x-rays. Dentists know that to provide the best quality care and treatment, they need to understand what is happening in their patient's mouth.
What cannot be seen is just as important as what can be seen. Your dentist will need to get the entire picture so they can lay out the most specific treatment plan possible. After all, your dentist has the same goal as you; they want your smile to be healthy and bright. They also want you to keep your natural teeth for as long as you can.
These types of x-rays are the only way to get the best picture of what is happening inside your mouth. Your dentist needs to know what is going on underneath the surface beyond what can be seen.
You will be asked to step into a secure area where a technician will get the x-rays completed. This will require a series of individual images taken over many different angles of your mouth.
The dentist needs to obtain both bitewing and periapical images. Bitewing images are details of the upper and lower teeth. They show each tooth from the crown to the supporting bone. These types of x-rays are best at detecting decay.
Periapical images show the entire tooth. The pictures will capture the whole tooth down to where it attaches to your jaw. These x-rays will detect unusual changes in the root and surrounding bone structure.
All the images will be available for your dentist within minutes of being taken. Using the images, your dentist will lay out a treatment plan that will be the most beneficial to you.
There is often a fear of radiation when it comes to needing any x-rays. The short answer to this question is yes; full mouth x-rays are safe. They are important for your oral health, and you are exposed to very little radiation.
Typically, most patients only need to have x-rays done twice a year or a concern for their oral health. Under these circumstances, the amount of radiation you are exposed to is minimal. Your dentist would never put you in harm's way. Therefore, they will only require x-rays that play an important part in keeping your mouth healthy.
Always feel free to discuss any concerns you are having about x-rays with your dentist. They are the best source for answers when dealing with your oral health.
You should contact your dental coverage provider to find out if x-rays are covered and if you will have any balance to pay. If you need help paying for the out-of-pocket, you can ask your dentist's office for payment options.
Your dentist can provide more information about what to expect during x-rays. Make sure to ask questions and follow recommendations so that you can be as comfortable as possible. Ultimately, this is what it takes to preserve your oral health.
Request an appointment here: https://matthewparilladmd.com or call Matthew Parilla DMD at (831) 207-4692 for an appointment in our Hollister office.
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