!

Where Kids Cometo Smile

Request an Appointment

Providence Kids Dentist | X-Rays: What You Need to Know When You Visit the Dentist

Pediatric Dentist in Providence

X-rays provide useful visual data for dentists to utilize when treating you. Occasionally, when guests come to our Providence dental office, they ask about the radiation from x-rays and the dangers associated with high-exposure. Rest assured, a dental x-ray is one of the safest medical imaging procedures there is. Here’s what you need to know about getting a dental x-ray.

The Purpose of Oral X-Rays

X-ray imaging of the mouth can show our dental team damage to your teeth as well as disease. They can also show incoming teeth that could be problematic. X-rays allow our team to prevent problems by addressing them early. Rather than wait for excessive tooth damage to become visible, a simple x-ray procedure can identify it before it becomes painful.

Dangers of X-Ray Radiation

Excessive radiation exposure has been linked to increasing the risk of cancer. However, not all radiation sources are the same. It matters greatly where the radiation is coming from, how much you are exposed to, and for what length of time. X-rays have not been shown to present a significant increase in cancer development.

Comparing X-Ray Radiation

Dental x-rays are among the lowest dose of radiation producing procedures in medical imaging. It would take roughly 1,200 panoramic x-rays of your mouth to equal one CT Scan. Did you know that when you fly in an airplane you are exposed to a small amount of radiation? A panoramic x-ray of your mouth is only half of the radiation you’re exposed to on a 7-hour plane ride. The amount of radiation is even lower for a routine x-ray exam. A routine procedure including 4 intraoral images is about the same dose of radiation from a 1-2 hour plane ride. A dental x-ray provides less than the amount of radiation you are exposed to in the average day from natural radiation.

Safety First

Even though dental x-rays are safe and expose you to a small amount of radiation, our office takes additional measures to keep you safe. First, state laws and regulations set the limit of radiation patients can be exposed to. We never exceed these restrictions. Our experienced team is also trained to use the x-ray equipment. Visitors are provided with a shield or bib that provides additional protection.

What You Can Do

Communication is key. If you are a new patient, please provide us with your medical records so that our team knows about any previous medical imaging you have had. Talk to our pediatric dentist about your concerns. Together we’ll work with you to ensure you are treated in a safe environment.

Dental x-rays are a safe and incredibly helpful procedure. They allow our dentist to detect problems and develop solutions specific to your mouth. Dental x-rays provide a significantly lower dose of radiation than other safe medical imaging methods. We strive to create an atmosphere where our guests are comfortable. If you have any concerns, please let us know.

If you have any questions or would like to schedule your next examination, please contact our office, Providence Pediatric Dentistry.

Providence Pediatric Dentistry
Phone: (401) 272-3443
Url: http://www.drmulvey.com/
111 Point Street, Suite #1
Providence, RI 02903

Safety & comfort
is our top priority.

As healthcare workers, we have always followed routine CDC infection control guidelines which include wearing gloves, masks, protective eyewear and lab coats. We disinfect all clinical areas with EPA approved hospital grade disinfectants. We also disinfect nonclinical areas (check-in, check-out areas, door knobs, countertops) with EPA approved hospital grade disinfectants.

Mask Wearing Policy

In accordance with the Rhode Island Department of Health mask guidelines, masks are required in healthcare facilities regardless of vaccination status. Please wear a mask when coming to our office. Thank you!

Learn more

Visit Our Providence Pediatric Dental Office

Providence Pediatric Dentistry | Pediatric Dentist in Providence | (401) 272-3443
111 Point St. Suite 1 | Providence, Rhode Island 02903

Providence PediatricDental News

Providence Pediatric Dentist

Providence Pediatric Dentistry