The thing about x-rays..

Do I really need x-rays?

Patients express this concern in several ways: Nothing’s bothering me. Can’t you just look? I had them taken last year.

Consistent imaging helps us track changes in your mouth. Imagine your dentist spots a small cavity. It needs treatment, but wait! He compares today’s image with previous ones, and the cavity appears unchanged. Certain cavities have the potential to stop growing; perhaps this one can be safely monitored. Annual x-rays help us determine whether a lesion is growing or not, which can minimize treatment.

Updated imaging also helps us avoid surprises. Imagine you’ve chipped a tooth, and there’s no pain involved. The dentist wants a new x-ray; you feel the previous ones are sufficient. A month after repair, the tooth begins to ache. New xrays reveal an infection that needs treatment. Having current X-rays helps us find hidden problems, lowering the chances of future surprises.

Sometimes, it’s okay to decline x-rays. We will guide you, depending on the situation. But teeth can be tricky. Whether we are monitoring or treating, x-rays are a safe and indispensable tool for your benefit.