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How safe are dental x-rays?
Dental x-rays do expose patients to some radiation, but the diagnostic value is of much greater benefit. Problems that are discovered early not only save money, but often can save a tooth!
Reduced exposure through technocological improvements have made this even safer.. Recently the new digital x-rays are lowering radiation by 50-80 %. On an average it would take 950 individual dental x-rays to equal the amount of radiation the average citizen picks up just from naturally occurring background sources each year!
Even though digital x-rays produce a low level of radiation precautions should still be taken by the dentist. These include using a lead apron shield to protect the body and only taking x-rays that are necessary.
Whitening for Teens
I am often asked… When is it OK to start whitening teeth for teens? Of course, everyone loves a whiter smile and we can help get good results with teens. The key is sensitivity control. Long term damage is not the issue. The sensitivity is reversible over time, but avoiding it or certainly minimizing it is the trick.
What we do in our office is start gently and gradually increase the concentration of the bleaching gel until we determine just where the comfort level is.
The first step may be to try Crest Whitening Strips. Sometimes this works. If this was not satisfactory, we would next make custom trays to be used with a mild 10% whitening gel for an hour or two. Depending on the comfort level, the gel concentration and frequency strategy would then be developed to assure a bright smile pain-free!
