X-rays are radiographic images of teeth and bone tissue , it helps with diagnosing decay and bone loss and other lesions like cervical resorption on the teeth .

Without x-rays, imagine your dentist working on your teeth with their eyes closed.

The show case was diagnosed with help of x-rays, where tooth decay started between the teeth and spread . After treatment , the teeth were restored (filled with resin material ) to the natural shape with access to the floss to help prevent new lesions from occurring .

Are Dental X-rays Harmful ?

Anything in excess is Harmful, that being said, Digital x-rays require a lower dose of energy to get them to be exposed in comparison with Analogue x-rays(Traditional) . It is found that up to 80% less when compared to traditional film-based systems.

It is the dentist’s and dental professionals duties to request x-rays within reason, aka, there is a diagnostic need for them and not just because your dental plan covers it .

At Viva our protocols involve the following:

-             We attempt to acquire  any none outdated x-rays from previous offices if you were transferring to us.

-             Assess the quality and the date before ordering new sets.

-             One Panoramic image is recommended every 5 years to assess pathologies that might start in the jaw bone and might get missed on the routine x-rays, to assess wisdom teeth and jaw joints etc.

-             Four Bitewings : small view to assess between the teeth and crestal bone state , assess bone levels (this is recommended based on the caries risk from 1-2 yrs)

-             Periapical View : a small view to assess the root ends (on the anterior region ) to assess root length or resorption , extra teeth , or dental infections (as needed) .



In conclusion , our dentists and their team are trained to take x-rays with safe measures to enable correct diagnosis and treatment planning .