Exam and X-Rays

A comprehensive dental exam will be performed by Dr. Maher Albouz at your initial dental visit.  At regular check-up exams, Dr. Maher Albouz and hygienist will include the following:

• Examination of diagnostic x-rays (radiographs): Essential for detection of decay, tumors, cysts, and bone loss. X-rays also help determine tooth and root positions.
• Oral cancer screening: Check the face, neck, lips, tongue, throat, tissues, and gums for any signs of oral cancer.
• Gum disease evaluation: Check the gums and bone around the teeth for any signs of periodontal disease.
• Examination of tooth decay: All tooth surfaces will be checked for decay with special dental instruments.
• Examination of existing restorations: Check current fillings, crowns, etc.

Dental x-rays may reveal:

• Abscesses or cysts.
• Bone loss.
• Cancerous and non-cancerous tumors.
• Decay between the teeth.
• Developmental abnormalities.
• Poor tooth and root positions.
• Problems inside a tooth or below the gum line.

Detecting and treating dental problems at an early stage can save you time, money, unnecessary discomfort, and your teeth!

Dental radiographs (x-rays) are essential, preventative, diagnostic tools that provide valuable information not visible during a regular dental exam.  Dentists and dental hygienists use this information to safely and accurately detect hidden dental abnormalities and complete an accurate treatment plan.  Without x-rays, problem areas may go undetected.

We are all exposed to natural radiation in our environment.  The amount of radiation exposure from a full mouth series of x-rays is equal to the amount a person receives in a single day from natural sources.

Dental x-rays produce a low level of radiation and are considered safe.  Dentists take necessary precautions to limit the patient’s exposure to radiation when taking dental x-rays.  These precautions include using lead apron shields to protect the body and using modern, fast film that cuts down the exposure time of each x-ray.

How often should dental x-rays be taken?

The need for dental x-rays depends on each patient’s individual dental health needs.  Your dentist and dental hygienist will recommend necessary x-rays based on the review of your medical and dental history, dental exam, signs and symptoms, age consideration, and risk for disease.

A full mouth series of dental x-rays is recommended for new patients.  A full series is usually good for three to five years.  Bite-wing x-rays (x-rays of top and bottom teeth biting together) are taken at recall (check-up) visits and are recommended once or twice a year to detect new dental problems.

Everyone who has been to the dentist has had dental X-rays at some point, whether as part of their routine visit or to help diagnose a problem. So, what exactly are dental X-rays for and why are they such an important preventative and diagnostic tool for the dental professional?

There are many different types of dental X-rays and they all have different purposes. These are the most commonly used dental X-rays and the information that they provide your dentist.

How Are X-Rays Performed? 

• Dental X-rays are taken with you sitting upright in a chair.
• The dental technician will place a lead apron over your chest and wrap a thyroid collar around your neck.
• The X-ray sensor or film will be placed in your mouth for the picture.

Most patients do not have any problems or discomfort when taking X-rays. The size and location of the sensor placement are a big factor in how comfortable or uncomfortable you will be. The size of your mouth is also a factor because if you have a small mouth, it makes placing the sensor a little more challenging. Taking X-rays should never be painful, just awkward or uncomfortable at the most.

If you happen to have a sensitive gag reflex, you may want to call us know at 818-676-1485 ahead of time. There are things they can do to help keep the gag reflex at bay while taking the X-ray. Children are especially prone to gag reflexes and have a hard time with dental X-rays.

Bitewing X-Rays 

Bitewings are typically taken every year (or as recommended by your dentist) to help detect dental caries between your teeth as well as to check the bone level that houses your teeth.

Periapical X-Rays 

Often referred to as PA’s, this type of X-ray takes a full tooth picture from the very top of the tooth (crown) to the very tip of the root. Periapical X-rays are usually taken when you are having symptoms with a specific tooth or as a follow-up to a procedure. Your dentist can help determine if there is an abscess, abnormalities in the surrounding bone structure, or deep decay.

Occlusal X-Rays 

These specialized X-rays are not as routinely used as the others but can provide very valuable information. They are typically used to show the roof or floor of the mouth and to check for things like extra teeth, impacted teeth, abnormalities, issues with the jaw, and any solid growths, such as tumors.

Panoramic X-Rays 

A panorex X-ray is taken every 3-5 years (or whatever is recommended by your dentist) but can also be taken by your orthodontist in preparation for braces and by an oral surgeon in preparation for surgery, such as extracting your wisdom teeth.

Digital versus Plain Film X-Rays 

Digital X-rays are starting to replace traditional plain film X-rays due to the ease of use, efficiency, and most importantly, the reduced amount of radiation needed and used. Digital X-rays are taken with a specialized sensor that sends the image directly to the computer, where it can be viewed immediately. With a plain film X-ray, if the image comes out too light or too dark, it would need to be retaken. With a digital X-ray, you can adjust the X-ray on the computer to allow for easier reading. The dentist can also zoom in on specific areas of the X-ray and even create a larger image.

Concerns about Radiation 

There are guidelines and regulations put in place in order to keep the radiation exposure to a minimum. States often have very strict protocols in place, as well as inspections to protect the public’s safety. And while we all should try to limit our exposure, dental X-ray equipment (if used properly and the technicians are following all of the guidelines recommended) is fairly safe and uses very little radiation.

Pregnancy and Dental X-Rays 

Research about the safety of dental X-rays while pregnant is mixed.2 But the American Dental Association and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists state that X-rays during pregnancy are safe and agree that delaying dental work could lead to more complicated problems in the long run. Both institutions recommend wearing a protective apron over your throat and abdomen during a radiograph (X-ray) procedure.3

Insurance for X-Rays 

Most dental insurance plans cover routine dental X-rays along with your routine dental exam. Every dental plan is different, though, so you should check with your insurance provider and/or HR representative for details on your specific plan.

Recommended Frequency of Dental X-Rays 

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has set the following guidelines regarding the administering of dental X-rays during a routine dental visit.

• For a child with no clinical decay and no risk of decay, posterior bitewings are recommended every 1-2 years.
• An adult with no obvious clinical decay and no increased risk should receive posterior bitewings every 2-3 years.
• For a child with evident clinical decay or at an increased risk of dental decay, posterior bitewings are recommended every 6-12 months.
• Adults who have an increased risk of tooth decay, obvious clinical decay, generalized dental disease, or a history of extensive dental treatment should have posterior bitewings taken every 6-18 months.