Park
Cities Dental
"The
Art and Science of a Healthy Smile"
Dental
Radiographs (X-rays)
Why do I need X-rays?
Radiographic or X-ray examinations provide your dentist with an
important tool that shows the condition of your teeth, their roots, jaw
placement, and the overall composition of your facial bones.
X-rays can help your dentist determine the presence or degree of periodontal disease, abscesses, and many abnormal growths, such as cysts and tumors. X- rays also can show the exact location of impacted and un-erupted teeth. They can pinpoint the location of cavities and other signs of disease that may not be possible to detect through a visual examination.
Do all patients have radiographs
taken every six months?
No. Your radiographic schedule is based on the dentist's assessment
of your individual needs, including whether you're a new patient or a recall
patient, adult or child, or pregnant. In most cases, new patients require
a set of full mouth X-rays to evaluate oral health status, including any,
underlying signs of periodontal disease and for future comparison. Recall
patients may require X-rays to monitor their periodontal condition or their
susceptibility to tooth decay.
My dentist has prescribed a "panoramic
radiograph." What is that and how does it differ from the X-rays I
usually have?
Just as a panoramic photograph allows you to see a broad vista such
as the Grand Canyon, a panoramic radiograph allows your dentist to see
the entire structure of your mouth in a single image. Typically, most dental
patients have "periapical" or "bitewing" radiographs
taken. These require patients to hold or bite down on a piece of plastic
with X-ray film in the center. Bitewings typically determine the presence
of decay in between teeth, while periapical X-rays show root structure,
bone levels, cysts and abscesses.
Why do I need both types of X-rays?
What's apparent through one type of X- ray often is not
visible on another. The panoramic X-ray will give your dentist a general
and comprehensive view of your entire mouth on a single film, which a periapical
X-ray cannot show. On the other hand, periapical or bitewing X-rays show
a highly-detailed image of a smaller area, making it easier to see decay
or cavities between your teeth. Radiographs are not prescribed indiscriminately.
Your dentist has a need for the different information that each radiograph
can provide to formulate a diagnosis.
Should I be concerned about exposure
to radiation?
All health care providers are sensitive to patients'
concerns about exposure to radiation. Your dentist has been trained to
prescribe radiographs when they're appropriate and to tailor radiographic
schedules to each patient's individual needs. By using state-of-the-art
technology and by staying knowledgeable about recent advances, your dentist
knows which techniques, procedures and X-ray films can minimize your exposure
to radiation.
What if my dental insurance plan
doesn't allow reimbursement for the additional X-ray?
It's wise for all patients to know the limitations or
restrictions of their dental benefits plan. To control their own costs,
some insurance plans limit reimbursement to a single type of radiographic
survey. Occasionally they will allow coverage for additional radiographs,
providing that your dentist supplies them with adequate information demonstrating
why the additional radiographs are necessary. Nevertheless, X-rays should
be taken based on need, regardless of whether or not they are covered by
your dental benefits plan. If your dental benefits policy restricts coverage
to one type of X-ray, consider writing your plan purchaser (usually someone
in your Personnel or Benefits department). Your dentist can help you write
this letter. Or you may want to adapt the following for your own letter.
Dear Benefits Director:
I am urging you to expand our dental benefits insurance policy to provide payment of benefit for periapical and panoramic radiographs. To develop an appropriate treatment plan that will meet my oral health needs, my dentist has prescribed both types of X-rays. The different information provided by each of these X-rays is medically necessary to ensure that my dentist has a complete and accurate image of my teeth and their surrounding bony structures. Any resulting expenses would actually result in a short-term expenditure that will yield long term gains. Treating my condition today may actually reduce future insurance costs, since prevention is almost always less expensive than having to correct a problem that's been ignored too long.