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Dallas Dental Practice Discusses Dental X-Rays

Posted by NetOffer in Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX on Jan 07, 2012

Dr. Denton Wiginton, from his Dallas Dental Practice, discusses dental X-Rays.

When a dentist takes X-rays, they are allowed to view what’s occurring below the surface of the teeth, gums and even into the patient’s upper and/or the lower jaw. These exams can disclose dental conditions that otherwise might be overlooked. A sensitive tooth may be caused by numerous conditions. X-rays often will be used to confirm a visual diagnosis and can at times require the dentist to search for a different cause.

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From the first day of his private practice nearly 30 years ago, Plano dentist Denton Wiginton, DDS has used X-rays. Recently, when a patient, who had never had any cavities or fillings in their lifetime, received a full X-ray examination, it was apparent that all the teeth needed to be extracted because of complete bone loss.

Dental X-rays are routinely made:

On an annual basis for the small (in the mouth) pictures
Every 3 to 5 years for the larger (outside the mouth) panoramic films
Younger patients who are high risk for cavities may need follow-up X-rays films (sensor) views on a 6 month basis.

The benefits of regular X-ray exams are locating:

Areas of tooth decay (breakdown of the outer enamel between the teeth, under existing fillings, or under the edge of crowns)
Loss of supportive bone around and between teeth that is caused by periodontal disease
Infections in the jaw(s)
Cysts or abscesses
Tumors
Areas of missing teeth (ie. no impacted 3rd molar)

For those concerned about dental radiation exposure, high-speed films and digital X-ray sensors are used. Radiation exposure resulting from dental X-rays is low. Leaded aprons cover the lower body and thyroid area in order to ensure that radiation exposure is As Low As Reasonably Achievable (the ALARA principle). For pregnant women, or those trying to get pregnant, research has shown that there doesn’t have to be a delay in the dental X-ray exams.

Plano Dentist Denton Wiginton, DDS utilizes digital X-ray examinations for over 80% of his radiographic needs. High-speed, large panoramic films are only made every 3 to 5 years. Dental film-like size of sensors, are able to capture an extremely accurate dental image that can be viewed on a computer screen immediately. These digital dental images are achieved using an exposure to dental radiation that is 1/3 what is needed for traditional dental X-ray film.

Traditional film, a complete 18 X-ray exam series has an estimated exposure of 0.150 mSv: compared to the amount of average radiation received from outer space in Denver, Colorado in a year of 0.510 mSv. Medical X-rays range from 2.440 mSv exposure for an upper GI tract X-ray (single) to 4.060 mSv for a lower GI tract film.

The use of dental X-rays for routine or emergency examinations is safe. Dental X-ray exams are excellent tools for dentists, such as Plano, Texas Dentist Denton Wiginton, DDS to achieve a complete dental diagnosis. If you have not been dentally examined in over a year, contact Dr. Wiginton office at 972-491-2244 or www.drwiginton.com for additional information.

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Dallas Dental Practice Discusses Dental X-Rays

Posted by NetOffer in Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX on Jan 07, 2012

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