Dental x-rays are an important tool in dental care as they can detect problems that may not be visible to the human eye.
Even if your teeth appear healthy, x-rays can uncover issues hidden beneath the surface, such as bone loss, cavities, gum disease, and the presence of teeth that have yet to emerge.
Concerns about the safety of dental x-rays are unnecessary as they are considered safe and have minimal negative effects, according to Mouth Healthy by the American Dental Association.
However, extra protection, such as a lead collar for the thyroid or a lead apron for the abdomen, can be requested. Dental x-rays are an essential component of a comprehensive dental care program as they enable early detection of problems, potentially saving you discomfort and expenses in the future.
Moreover, regular x-rays provide a baseline for your dentist to monitor changes in your dental health, and they can reveal decay, bone loss, gum disease, infection, abscesses, cysts, wisdom teeth, and tumors.