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Dental Radiographs (X-Rays)

Why do I need Dental Radiographs?

Dental radiographs are important aids to ensure an accurate diagnosis and assist our dentists in the management of many dental conditions. A well exposed radiographs can capture early signs of decay (cavities) or other oral health problems that cannot be seen during the visual clinical exam and sometimes detecting problems before symptoms appear. Oral cancer, cysts, infections, hidden caries in between your teeth, impacted teeth and bone loss due to gum disease are among the many conditions that can show up on radiograph. With early detection, these problems can be treated before it becomes serious and requires treatment that is more involved and expensive. 

As a guide, dental radiographs are taken every 2 years unless a problem arises which indicates the need for an additional radiograph to assist in diagnosis and treatment planning. Dental radiographs are also necessary before procedures such as tooth extraction, placement of implants or crowns, and root canal treatment.

Our dental radiography equipment complies with Australian Standards and our dentists follow strict guidelines to minimise your exposure to radiation. The radiation in one dental radiograph is less than the radiation you receive from “background radiation” (radiation from the atmosphere, the sun and the stars). It is also less than you would receive on an interstate airline flight.

Bridgewater Dental also prides itself on reducing the radiation exposure further by using digital radiography where the exposure is less than traditional radiographic procedure.

Can I have dental radiographs taken if I am pregnant?

The risk of radiation to an unborn child is extremely low. Accodring to the National health and medical research council, dental radiographs can be done during pregnancy provided precautions are taken to limit the foetal exposure. In fact, failure to treat oral disease may do more harm to the well being of the mother as well as the unborn child.

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