Dental X-Rays
Dental radiographs (x-rays) are essential, preventative, diagnostic tools that provide valuable information not visible during a regular dental exam.
Our dentists and dental hygienists at Oroville Gentle Dentistry 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.
Dental x-rays may reveal:
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Abscesses or cysts
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Bone loss
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Cancerous and non-cancerous tumors
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Decay between the teeth
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Developmental abnormalities
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Poor tooth and root positions
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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!
Are dental x-rays safe?
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.
Dental X-Rays FAQs
Are digital dental X-rays safe, and how much radiation will I be exposed to?
Yes, digital dental X-rays are very safe. At Oroville Gentle Dentistry, we use modern digital radiography, which exposes you to about 80 percent less radiation than traditional film X-rays. To put that in perspective, a full mouth series of digital X-rays exposes you to roughly the same amount of radiation you’d naturally encounter from the environment in a couple of days. With that we take the minimal number necessary to get the information we need.
Why do I need a full mouth series of X-rays, and how often should they be taken?
A full mouth series is recommended for all new patients to establish a clear baseline of your oral health, and it’s typically good for several years before it needs to be repeated. After that, smaller sets of X-rays are usually taken a year during routine visits or as needed to catch or evaluate any new issues early. Without X-rays, problems like decay between teeth, bone loss, abscesses, cysts, or issues below the gumline can easily go undetected.
Can I bring my own X-rays from a previous dentist to avoid retaking them?
Yes, we’re happy to accept recent, clear X-rays from your previous dentist. Just have your old office email them over to us before your visit, and we’ll add them to your chart. That said, if those X-rays are more than a couple of years old, or if they’re incomplete or hard to read, our doctors may still need to take some new ones to safely and accurately diagnose your needs and plan your treatment.
Will my dental insurance cover the cost of my X-rays at your office?
We’re an in-network provider with Advantech (through Oroville Hospital), and they will typically cover the entire investment for x-rays, provided you have benefits remaining. Most other insurance companies will pay a portion of the investment and as a courtesy, our team will still bill your insurance on your behalf. Unfortunately we are unable to predict exactly how much they will pay so, you’ll pay for your visit at the time of service, and your insurance company will send the reimbursement directly to you. Please note we do not accept Medi-Cal or other California state dental insurance. If you’re paying out of pocket, we do offer a cash-pay discount for patients who pay by cash or check.
How do I get a copy of my X-rays, or have them sent to another dentist or specialist?
Just give our office a call. If you’d like your X-rays emailed directly to you, or forwarded to a specialist such as an oral surgeon or endodontist, our team can take care of that for you as a complimentary service. We regularly coordinate with local specialists so your records get where they need to go without any extra hassle or cost on your end.
Do you take X-rays for free if I come in for a second opinion?
Yes. If another office has recommended an extensive or expensive treatment plan and you’d like a second opinion, we offer that free of charge. It is most helpful if you have the x-rays from that office sent to us or bring them with you so we can see what they were looking at. However, if during your visit, our doctor needs additional information we will take an X-ray at no cost so we can give you clear, honest feedback. To help us help you, please bring along your prior treatment plan and any cost estimate you were given.
