There are several types of x-rays we take in dentistry. X-rays help check for cavities, cracks or fractures, and infections around the roots of our teeth. They also help monitor bone levels and allow us to inspect the areas around existing restorations like crowns, fillings, and implants.
Dental X-Rays in Saint Paul, MN
At Highgrove Dental Care we provide the highest standard of care to ensure the health and satisfaction of our patients. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), the standard of care involves updating bitewing x-rays once every 12 to 24 months and updating a full set of x-rays every 3 to 5 years. The exact timing of how often we update your x-rays depends on your specific needs based on your risk factors and current health status. At Highgrove Dental Care you can be confident that your dentists and hygienists make recommendations for you based on your individual needs since dental care is not “one-size-fits-all!”
One of the most common concerns regarding x-rays is the safety of being exposed to radiation. The ADA promotes using as little radiation as possible to reduce the amount of radiation exposure to our patients and providers. We are completely digital with our x-rays at Highgrove Dental Care which uses half the amount of radiation compared to the previous methods of taking x-rays. Below is a list of radiation sources you can compare to get an idea of how little radiation is exposed when we update dental x-rays.
Radiation exposure is measured in something called millisieverts (mSv). The maximum annual dose allowed for people working with radiation (like your dentists and hygienists) is 50.00 mSv.
- 4 bitewing x-rays = 0.02 mSv
- One full set of x-rays = 0.09 mSv
- Cross country flight (NY to LA) = 0.04 mSv (twice the amount of annual bitewing x-rays)
- Annual dose from food and water = 0.40 msV
- Annual dose from natural sources = 3.00
- Whole body CT scan = 10.00 mSv
Here at Highgrove Dental Care we are here to help you and keep you in excellent health!
To see a full comparison chart with more fun facts, visit the link https://www.todaysrdh.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Dental-X-Ray-Radiation-Comparison-Chart.pdf
Resources:
http://www.ada.org/~/media/ADA/Member%20Center/FIles/Dental_Radiographic_Examinations_2012.pdf
https://www.todaysrdh.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Dental-X-Ray-Radiation-Comparison-Chart.pdf