Hi, I'm Dr. Amy from Boulder Canyon Dental, and today I wanted to go over some common questions about dental X-rays, their efficacy, and what they are. Today, I wanted to go over dental X-rays and answer some common questions that we get here in our office.
What is a dental x-ray?
A dental x-ray is simply a picture that allows us to see inside the tooth as well as the surrounding bone to make sure that there are no hidden concerns, such as cavities or infection in your mouth.
When do dentists take X-rays?
Here at Boulder Canyon Dental, we typically take X-rays once a year just to make sure that there's nothing going on under the surface that we can't see visually. We would also take an X-ray if a patient came in with any kind of pain or discomfort to ensure that we're treating them appropriately.
Do you require dental X-rays at Boulder Canyon Dental?
We do require dental X-rays. Any new patient wanting to establish care here is required to undergo a full series of X-rays, which includes a panoramic image that shows us the entirety of the jaw, as well as close-up images to see in between the teeth and make sure that there are no dental caries.
Can I have x-rays sent over for my first visit?
We love having dental X-rays sent over for first visits so we can compare with the current condition. However, we always take our own image sets to make sure that we have the most accurate representation of your mouth.
Do you guys offer 3D imaging?
Here at Boulder Canyon Dental, we offer 3D imaging. This is utilized for any implant processes, as well as root canals or unidentifiable pain. We've found many patients coming in with tooth-related pain that is actually caused by sinus infections, all because we've taken that 3D image.
What are the different types of x-rays?
There are three basic types of X-rays. The most common is the bitewing, which is placed and bitten down on, in between your teeth. That's the most accurate image for us to see if there are any cavities happening in between, as well as the bone level of the teeth. The next type of X-ray is called a periapical or a PA. This image shows us the full root of the tooth as well as the surrounding bone and can show us if there's any kind of dental infection occurring. The last type of dental x-ray is the panoramic or a 3D, which is the easiest one for the patient to take. You bite on a stick and have a big thing wave around your head to show us everything in terms of bone.
What do dental X-rays show?
Dental X-rays show us everything beneath the surface. It's very easy to see cavities and pits, and grooves when we're looking in your mouth during your dental exam. However, what we can't see is anything related to the root of the tooth. We can't see in between the teeth, and we also can't truly evaluate your bone level without having that image.
What is your X-ray policy?
Our x-ray policy is that we require bite-wing images, which go in between the teeth and show us caries, at a minimum every two years, but in general, we recommend once a year. We always want to catch a problem when it's small and an easy fix instead of waiting until it's a bigger problem and a bigger cost for our patient. We also require panoramic full images every five years, but we recommend them every three, to make sure that we're preventing a larger problem from occurring.
Are dental X-rays covered by Insurance?
Dental x-rays are covered by most insurances. Most insurances do cover dental X-rays at 100%. There are some plans that require some out of pocket for patients, which we're happy to look up for you before we take any imaging.
Are dental X-rays safe?
Dental X-rays are incredibly safe. Here in Colorado, just living at this elevation, we actually get more radiation by living a day in our life than we get from dental X-rays.
How much radiation do I get from a 3D image?
The amount of radiation that you get from a 3D dental image here at our office is the same amount of radiation you would get by taking a flight from LA to New York.
If you're ready to schedule your appointment with us at Boulder Canyon Dental or if you have additional questions about dental X-rays, we're here to help. Please give us a call at (970) 514-0662.