IF YOU COULD HAVE any superpower, what would it be? Would you choose super strength? How about the power of flight? Maybe you’d like the ability to see through solid objects! Although super strength and flight may not come too easily, you don’t have to search far for x-ray vision (in a manner of speaking)!
Today, we want to share with you a little bit about x-rays and how we use them at McOmie Family Dentistry to spot troublesome cavities and other issues before they have a larger effect on your smile!
X-Rays Were Discovered By Accident!
X-rays were first observed in 1895 by German physicist Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen (1845-1923). Roentgen accidentally made this discovery while conducting an experiment testing whether cathode rays would pass through glass. After covering the glass cathode tubes he was using for his experiment, he noticed a glow coming from a nearby chemically coated screen. He was unsure what rays were causing the glow so he dubbed them “X-rays” for the time being, and the name stuck!
Roentgen is also credited with discovering the medical use of X-rays. The first photograph of a human body part using X-rays is actually his wife’s hand!
Dental X-Rays Help Spot Problems Early
X-rays have become an incredibly valuable tool in modern medicine—especially for dentistry! We learn a lot from visually examining our teeth, but not everything is visible to the naked eye during a routine dental exam. Our digital dental X-rays can spot problems in the bones as well as the teeth. We are watching out for overall health as well as dental health.
At McOmie Family Dentistry our digital dental X-rays help us do dental implants better and more efficiently. Digital dental X-rays pop up on our monitor instantly, there is no waiting for the film to process and dry which used to take over ten minutes. Come check out our dental technology!
Dental X-rays allow us to detect and diagnose tooth decay between teeth, on hard-to-reach surfaces, and under existing dental work. X-rays can even be helpful in identifying dental and orthodontic issues that exist beneath the gum line—something that was impossible without invasive procedures before X-rays became widely available
We Have Your Safety In Mind
Dental X-ray exams are safe. Though low levels of radiation are used to capture the X-ray images, each technique is designed to limit the body’s exposure to radiation. A leaded apron and thyroid collar are often used to minimize exposure to the abdomen and throat during an examination. These protective measures are helpful for everyone but especially recommended for women of childbearing age, those who are pregnant, and children.
If you are pregnant and in need of dental X-rays, be sure to tell Dr. McOmie. Our staff will be sure to use the leaded apron and thyroid collar during your exam to protect you and your fetus from any radiation. Normally we do not do dental X-rays on women who are pregnant, but there are times of emergency when we have to and we take every precaution. Dental X-rays do not need to be delayed if you’re breastfeeding or trying to become pregnant but talk to Dr. McOmie if you have any questions or concerns.
Here at McOmie Family Dentistry we only shoot digital X-rays! One of the primary reasons is the radiation used is reduced up to 90% as compared to film X-rays. Digital X-ray also allows us to store the films forever without image degradation. We can send them digitally to other Dr’s as well. We have been using digital X-rays for over 10 years now. The main benefit is to our patients.
Prevention Is The Key To Healthy Smiles
We want to keep your mouth as healthy as possible and preserve your beautiful smile. That’s why it’s essential that we discover and diagnose the earliest sign of a problem. X-rays are an essential tool in helping spot these problems that might otherwise go unnoticed. If you have any questions about dental X-rays, please let us know! We’d love to speak with you about this or any other questions you may have. So give us a call at McOmie Family Dentistry 423-899-1112