Dental x-ray images are an indispensable part of your regular dental examinations. Some people have concerns about the effects of radiation on their well-being. Rest assured that advanced technology has considerably limited the amount of radiation exposure involved with dental x-rays.
First, the x-ray components are shielded so that your exposure is limited to just the amount necessary for images of your jaw and teeth. Second, your vital organs will be covered with a lead protector, strictly as a precaution. Finally, your typical exposure in a dental office is far less than the radiation you receive simply from natural doses experienced on planet Earth — .4 mSv (or milliSieverts) from typical annual dental x-rays, compared to approximately 3 milliSieverts from natural background radiation. It would take some 2500 x-rays in one year before a patient might notice any ill effects from typical dental x-rays.
X-rays are very important for our Placerville dentists, as they let them determine if you are experiencing any of the following conditions:
As part of our Placerville dentistry practice, we only recommend those x-rays necessary for ensuring your oral health and safety. Every precaution and advancement available to guarantee your well-being is considered and utilized by the Placerville Dental Group. The diagnostic and preventative benefits are well worth the use of this time-tested medical tool.