Dental x-rays are usually used as a diagnostic procedure and it is considered safe as they have really low doses of radiation and produces just a small fraction of what other imaging procedures exposes you to. If you think you are going to need dental x-rays or if you are worried about getting one because of your medical condition, you should read on to know more about dental x-rays – why they are done and more.
What are dental x-rays for?
Dentists use dental x-rays to see issues that would otherwise be invisible to the naked eye. Patients get dental x-rays if their dentist needs to detect and treat some issues that include areas of decay that are not visible, bone loss, abscesses, tumors, and more. Without an x-ray, these problems and more could go undiagnosed and get worse. Using x-ray as a reference, dentists are able to prepare treatments such as dentures, dental implants, braces, and others.
Are dental x-rays safe for children and pregnant women?
Some parents are concerned that dental x-rays may affect their children’s health as children are more sensitive to radiation. But you don’t have to worry because the amount of radiation that comes from a dental x-ray is still considered safe even for a child. Why would your child need a dental x-ray? Sometimes it is necessary to know for sure whether a child’s primary teeth are loosening the right way so new permanent teeth would come out properly, too.
As for pregnant women, it is generally advised that they avoid dental x-rays. Even if the radiation is very minimal, it’s still best to avoid any exposure at all for the health of the fetus developing inside the body. It is important that you inform your dentist if you are or you may be pregnant before getting any dental treatment, especially if you believe a dental x-ray may be required.
At Pickering Square Dental, we always do a careful clinical evaluation of our patients to minimize the need for dental x-rays. Note, however, that there are certain dental issues that would only be diagnosed using dental x-rays. If you want to know more about dental x-rays or if you need to discuss whether or not you need one, do not hesitate to reach out to us. We can help you understand why it may be necessary for improving your oral health.
Helpful Resources
For more information, visit the Canadian Dental Association Oral Health.
Schedule Your Appointment Today
Contact Pickering Square Dental to book your appointment with Dr. Marvin Lean. Call us at (905) 420-1777 or visit us at 1450 Kingston Rd, Unit #4, Pickering, ON.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I visit the dentist?
The Canadian Dental Association recommends visiting your dentist at least twice a year for regular check-ups and cleanings. Some patients may need more frequent visits depending on their oral health needs. Call Pickering Square Dental at (905) 420-1777 to schedule your next appointment.
Do you accept the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)?
Yes, Pickering Square Dental participates in the Canadian Dental Care Plan. Our team can help you understand your coverage and ensure you receive the dental care you need. Contact us for more details about CDCP eligibility and benefits.
What services does Pickering Square Dental offer?
We offer a full range of dental services including family dentistry, emergency dental care, sedation dentistry, dental implants, laser dentistry, teeth whitening, root canal therapy, dental extractions, periodontal care, and cosmetic dentistry. Dr. Lean and our team serve patients in Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, and Scarborough.
About Dr. Marvin Lean, DDS
Dr. Marvin Lean, DDS, is the owner and lead dentist at Pickering Square Dental. With decades of experience in family and laser dentistry, Dr. Lean is also the official dentist of the Toronto Maple Leafs. He is a member of the Ontario Dental Association (ODA) and the Canadian Dental Association (CDA). Dr. Lean and his team provide comprehensive dental care including sedation dentistry, dental implants, emergency dental care, and the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) to patients in Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, Scarborough, Oshawa, and Markham.
