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It's important to ask if you need dental x-rays if you're unsure.
At Croydon Dental, we take x-rays based on clinical need versus a predetermined time interval. The protocol for x-rays has changed in recent years, and we're current with these recommendations.
The need for radiographs is based on individual need. Dr. Les Ennis considers a number of factors before he prescribes x-rays.
BENEFITS OF X-RAYS
X-rays help with diagnosing, helping your dentist determine the appropriate treatment and likely outcome of the treatment. X-rays can show dentists things like
- › ill-fitting fillings,
- › decay not evident on visual examination,
- › loss of supporting bone structure,
- › tumor masses, and
- › dental abscesses.
RISKS OF X-RAYS
Using effective dose measurements, it's fair to compare chest x-rays (0.08mSv), to the bitewing series (0.017mSv), to the panoramic (0.007mSv). Or, we can say that a complete mouth series equals about five days of background radiation. A bitewing series equals one day and a panoramic is equal to ten hours of background radiation.
A complete, full mouth series of radiographs results in a mortality risk estimate of 2.8 cases per one million examinations. By comparison, anyone that has smoked more than one cigarette has one in a million chance of dying of heart disease or cancer. We accept similar mortality risks every time we go on a three hundred mile road trip, ride a bicycle ten miles, or visit New York City for a weekend.
Contact us at Croydon Dental if you'd like to discuss if you need an x-ray or to talk more about its benefits and risks.
At Croydon Dental
We understand that choosing a dentist is a private and personal decision. We have dedicated our practice to the long-term health, comprehensive treatment, and tender care of our patients. After you have looked around our site, we hope that you will feel more comfortable about choosing us as your dentist. We invite you to call if you have any questions or would like to make an appointment or you can just drop by our office. We look forward to meeting you and your family!
Mission Statement
Croydon Dental is committed to providing you with attentive personalized dental care for you and your family. Our genuine friendly staff will always greet you and take time to get to know you and your needs. We will answer all of your questions and keep you informed throughout your entire treatment process. We want you to have a healthy, dazzling smile you can feel proud of.