I am concerned about getting too many x-rays. Are they all really necessary? - Wilmington, DE Dentist

Ask for digital x-rays –they emit tiny amounts of radiation.compared to conventional x-rays. I am in favor of x-ray use, not abuse. There are many reasons for taking x-rays. Not only do they visualize decay, they are also used to determine bone levels, detect abscesses and growth discrepancies. I would compare x-ray usage with the concept of routine blood work. Their purpose is early detection and diagnosis of pathology. Remember, most big expensive, time consuming, nerve racking procedures such as crowns, root canals, gum disease and extractions started as a small spot on an x-ray that was never taken. Our office is equipped with both intraoral and extraoral digital x-rays.