Are Dental X-Rays Safe?

Two of the biggest fears when visiting the dentist are pain and radiation from dental X-rays. While sedation dentistry options have quelled many concerns over pain from dental procedures, dental X-ray radiation worries still tend to creep up from time to time. This post will discuss the some of the misconceptions about radiation from dental X-rays.

How Safe are Dental X-rays?

Very safe. Dental X-rays require very little exposure to radiation and the regularity for which dental X-rays are needed is so infrequent that the risk associated with dental X-rays is very, very small. How often X-rays are performed is determined by your individual risk factors for decay and gum disease. Even in extreme cases, you still won’t be exposed to as much radiation as people who live in high altitudes and experience natural radiation on a regular basis.

Dental X-ray’s Biggest Risk

The biggest risk surrounding dental X-rays is not getting them. Dental X-rays are performed to help determine hidden tooth decay and gum problems. The risk to these types of problems going undetected is much greater than the miniscule effects of an X-ray. The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that over 75% of adults in the United States have gum disease in some form, but only 60% are even aware that they have a problem.

X-ray Equipment Matters

At Silver Screen Dental we use that latest technology when it comes to our equipment. This enables us to have some of the lowest radiation X-ray equipment available. Technological advances have improved X-ray equipment tremendously over the years. With high-speed film and digital X-rays being used, a patient today will receive up to 80% less radiation exposure than older generation equipment.

Anyone who wants to ensure that they are as safe as possible when getting dental X-rays should make sure that the machines used are as advanced as possible.

Trust Your Dentist

In the end, your dentist should be your trusted advisor when it comes to any kind of concern relating to your dental needs.

Under the care of a highly qualified dentist, dental X-rays are nothing to be squeamish about. In fact, your decision to get a dental X-ray may be the most important step in ensuring your current and continued oral health.

Gingivitis Symptoms and Treatments

There are many aspects to maintaining good oral hygiene, and the appearance of your gums may be a strong indicator of your oral health. While pain may be an obvious signal of the presence of a problem, many issues may develop long before you ever experience painful symptoms.

Gingivitis Symptoms

Gingivitis is characterized by soft, swollen, receding, and sensitive gums. Addressing these symptoms is crucial to keeping your gums and the rest of your mouth as healthy as possible. Seeing a dentist at the first signs of these symptoms is your best chance at avoiding permanent damage.

The good news is that early intervention can reverse the tenderness, sensitivity, bad breath, and bleeding that often occurs with gingivitis.

What Causes Gingivitis

Gingivitis is usually caused by a buildup of tartar and bacterial plaque accumulated around the teeth. The bacterial buildup provokes an immune response, and if left untreated can lead to a loss of gum tissue, additional complications, and possibly tooth loss.

Some colonizing bacteria may actually protect your mouth from a variety of noxious microorganisms, but plaque can lead to gingivitis. Hormonal changes may cause gingivitis, and this is why puberty, pregnancy, and menstrual issues may be associated with gum sensitivity and inflammation.

Other Possible Reasons for Gingivitis

Oral health can be affected by smoking, family history, taking certain medications, and diseases such as diabetes, cancer, and HIV. All of these factors can increase your likelihood of experiencing gingivitis.

Gingivitis Treatments

Gingivitis symptoms can be reversed with prompt and comprehensive treatment, and professional dental intervention can help you avoid further damage to your teeth and gums. The best treatment may begin with a thorough cleaning to get rid of the accumulated plaque and tartar, and this may be followed by additional dental work as needed.

Regular cleanings and checkups may help detect gingivitis symptoms quickly, and learning proper brushing and flossing techniques may keep your symptoms from developing again. Good home care such as daily flossing, brushing your teeth twice a day, and cleaning your mouth with an antiseptic rinse can protect you from a future occurrence of gingivitis.

Image credit for gingivitis picture via Wikipedia.

Austin Dental Emergency

The most important factor in the outcome of a dental emergency is seeing a dentist in time. Quick responses will produce the best results, so it’s important not to delay your visit. A dental emergency can range from a chipped tooth to periodontal disease. Fortunately, many dental emergencies, such as cracked or chipped teeth, can be solved easily and with natural-looking results.

When you’re in pain or need a problem addressed quickly, turn to Silver Screen Dental of Austin, Texas. We’ve been in Austin for nearly a decade, and we’ve handled just about every kind of dental emergency. Our team is sensitive to your needs and will ensure that you receive only the best care–as soon as possible. As a member of the American Dental Association and the Texas Dental Association, Dr. Steven Booth is highly qualified to handle your emergency care needs.

Choose a Dentist Experienced in Austin Dental Emergency Procedures

We also perform urgent root canals. If you’re experiencing pain when biting down, facial swelling, extreme temperature sensitivity, or discomfort when chewing, you may require a root canal to address the problem. With a root canal, the infected pulp of a tooth is removed, leaving the surrounding bone free from harmful bacteria and potential nerve issues. Within a few visits, the pain should be gone and the area protected from further infection.

If dental procedures make your nervous, take advantage of our sedation options. With sedation dentistry, you won’t feel a thing, so you can relax and focus on your recovery. If you’re in the Austin area with a dental emergency, we can work with you to come up with the best solution for your long-term dental care needs. Because even a minute in pain is too much, Silver Screen Dental is here to help. Call today to schedule a consultation, or book online at your convenience.

Dental Health Starts with Quality Preventative Care

While brushing and flossing daily are essential components of dental health, professional care is still necessary for a lovely, lasting smile. The American Dental Association advises two full, professional cleanings per year to prevent tooth decay and gum disease. Make an appointment today.

Preventative care starts at Austin’s own Silver Screen Dental. We offer all the vital preventative care measures needed to keep your teeth healthy for decades to come. Many patients opt for deep tooth cleanings as a way to keep harmful plaque and bacteria from taking hold.

Austin Dental Health Experts Can Protect Your Smile

To go a step further, consider investing in tooth sealant. By applying sealant to at-risk teeth, such as back molars, you can reduce the risk of cavity and tooth decay. While the sealant itself is simply a thin film, it packs a powerful punch. Not only can professionally applied sealants offer 100 percent protection from plaque build-up for the life of the treatment, they can even stop cavities in their tracks. For those who tend to be prone to cavities, sealants are an excellent option.

Naturally, cleanings are only a small portion of the dental health services provided at Silver Screen Dental in Austin. We handle all routine care needs as well, including fillings, crowns, bridges, and dental restoration. Many new patients are surprised to learn that old, dark fillings can be replaced with new, nearly invisible ones. It’s never too late (or too soon) to have a dazzling smile! Call today to schedule a consultation, or book online at your convenience.

Dental Hygiene

Most everyone knows that dental hygiene is an essential part of good health. Many people underestimate the other benefits of taking good care of their teeth, though. A healthy smile can boost your confidence and make you feel as good on the inside as you look on the outside.

You have many options for Austin dental hygiene, but we think Silver Screen Dental stands apart from other dental offices. Our focus isn’t just on routine check-ups and getting patients in-and-out as quickly as possible. Instead, our focus is on you. What are your needs? What are your concerns? Is there any way you wish you could improve your smile?

Expect the Best in Austin Dental Hygiene

When you come in, we’ll start with a thorough consultation. We want to hear what you have to say. Then, we’ll get you started on a dental hygiene routine with regular cleanings and routine maintenance work. If you’d like to whiten your smile a shade, we also offer whitening and teeth bleaching treatments. To keep your smile glowing, we recommend regular check-ups and proper dental hygiene habits, including brushing and flossing after every meal. We recommend brushing more often if you consume a lot of soda, tea, or coffee.

Dental hygiene is just the beginning of what’s available to you at Silver Screen Dental. Dr. Booth and the expert staff are available to give you the healthy, radiant smile you’ve always wished for. For more information or to schedule a no-obligation consultation, please contact our office today.