Dental X-Rays: Why Are They Important? An Interview with Dr. Karagiorgos

Dental X-Rays: Why Are They Important? An Interview with Dr. Karagiorgos

You brush, you floss, you’ve started scraping your tongue, and you come in for regular check ups.   Perhaps you’ve been wondering why you need to get dental x-rays on top of your excellent oral care routine.  Are dental x-rays really necessary for your oral health?  The answer is yes: dental x-rays are a useful diagnostic tool for Dr. Brunacini and Dr. Karagiorgos and help them detect damage and disease not visible during a general exam.  This month we spoke with Dr. Karagiorgos about why dental x-rays are an important part of your oral health care.

Dental X-rays provide dentists the opportunity to identify any potential problems in the mouth. What exactly are you looking for when you review X-rays?

Dr. Karagiorgos: X-rays are a very important diagnostic tool that allow dentists to see more of people’s teeth than what we can see in the mouth with just magnifying lenses and a headlight. With x-rays we can see things like tooth decay between adjacent teeth, we can see if there are any potential problems under the gums, in the bone or in the roots of the teeth.

Are there any types of x-rays that hurt or require special preparation or protection?

Dr. Karagiorgos: Dental x-rays themselves don’t hurt per se. There are conditions in some patients that can make it a little more difficult for those patients to take x-rays.  For example, patients with a limited ability to open their mouth, patients that have a very strong gag reflex or some that have larger bony protrusions in their mouths.  X-rays have evolved and improved quite a bit over the years. At Falmouth Dental Arts, we have state-of-the-art digital x-ray sensors that allow us to take and immediately see diagnostic images in high resolution, using far less radiation than the previous generation film x-rays.

What are the most serious diseases or conditions that you can prevent thanks to taking regular X-rays?

Dr. Karagiorgos: X-rays can help us routinely detect things like dental decay and tooth infections. X-rays can also help us diagnose very serious general health problems. We can see pathology in the bone like invasive cysts or cancerous tumors. Panoramic  films and 3D cone beam x-rays that rotate around the head are commonly used to evaluate the jaw joints or to see wisdom teeth coming in. These x-rays with expanded fields of view can also help us see things like restricted airways, salivary blockages or even calcifications in the circulatory system of the neck which can put patients at increased risk of stroke.

What has been the most surprising thing that you have seen on Dental X-rays?

Dr. Karagiorgos: I just got back from a dental convention where a dentist presented the latest imaging technology. He presented us a slide showing x-rays taken on a 6 year old boy. His images showed what looked like a round metal object in the boy’s left sinus. The x-ray image was of such great quality that we were able to make out George Washington’s bust! It turns out that without anyone’s knowledge, the boy had lodged a quarter so deep into his nose that it ended up in the boy’s maxillary sinus. That was pretty surprising to see, but even more surprising was the very next slide.

It was an x-ray of the sinus of the boy’s 8-year-old brother.  Apparently, the brother had a lego brick in the exact same location!

Are there any medical conditions or situations where you advise patients to not undergo x-rays?

Dr. Karagiorgos: Typically, no. Dental X-rays are of lower doses of radiation. They are considered generally safe.  That said, we specifically try to limit x-ray exposure to expectant women. We are always weighing the risks and benefits of every treatment, and this includes taking x-rays.  

As dentists, we practice the ALARA principle with radiation.  ALARA stands for “as low as reasonably achievable”. This principle means that even if it is a small dose of radiation, if there is no direct benefit, you should try to avoid it.

 

Thank you, Dr. Karagiorgos!

When was the last time you had x-rays of your teeth taken? We recommend routine Bitewings x-rays for adults every 1-2 years depending on decay history, gum health, and dry mouth. For children and teens we recommend it every year. Major films are recommended every 3-5 years for both adults and children to monitor growth and development as well as periodontal health. Call our office today at 207.781.5900 to make your appointment!

*Image courtesy of www.wikipedia.org   

 

I Love You, Gums! Gum Disease Awareness Month

Have you heard? February is Gum Disease Awareness Month.  Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, may be a familiar term for you, while for others it may sound a bit scary. An infection of the tissue and bones that support your teeth, gum disease impacts nearly 85% of adults in the U.S.  The good news is that it is quite treatable, especially when caught early.  Preventative care can be as simple as choosing the right toothbrush, brushing twice and flossing once daily, monitoring sugar intake, and keeping up with regular dental check ups. Left unchecked, however, gum disease can lead to tooth loss and other health complications.  If you are experiencing bleeding when brushing or flossing, it’s crucial that you mention that to  Dr. Brunacini or Dr. Karagiorgos.  They will have a treatment plan for you to take care of your gums while you take care of your teeth.  And while we are on the topic, when was the last time you truly appreciated your gums?  Since February is also when another holiday takes place…perhaps you’ve heard of this one…Valentine’s Day? We decided it was time to share the love with your gums!

 

Dear Gums,

It hurts to chew and my breath stinks! 

Why do I ignore you when I’m not at the sink?  

I vow that I will brush and floss every day.  

Oh gums, please do not take my teeth away!

I love you!

XOXO

 

 

Dear Gums,

The red I see, it must mean true love.  

Oh dear, I think it is actually blood.

I must call Dr. K and Dr. B at FDA, quick!

With their compassionate care, they will know just the trick.  

Phew! Thank goodness, I still have a chance, 

to treat you right, gums, and continue this dance.  

Thank you, Gums!  

XXOO

 

 

Dear Gums,

Diabetes and heart disease…oh my!

I didn’t know you were with those guys.

 

When I neglect you, I see it impacts my health.

Not just my teeth, but my whole body’s wealth.

 

I promise to be tender, I promise to be true. 

I’ll eat more apples, I do love to chew.

 

I quit smoking, and now I know what to drink:

Water! To hydrate and to help me think.

 

Being healthy, that’s what I’m all about.

Oral care, it’s about more than just my mouth.

 

Gums, let’s go steady!

XXOO

 

 

This February, show your gums the love they deserve!  Keep up with your oral health care routine of brushing twice a day and flossing daily, and come see us for your regular check ups.  Our line is always open for questions, concerns, or to schedule an appointment  – 207.781.5900.  Our mission is to give you the best dental care possible so your beautiful teeth and gums shine! Because we love to make you smile! XOXO 🙂 

 

Images courtesy of 123RF.com, virtualvocations.com, webmd.com