Most people actually have some type of fear or trepidation about going to the dentist. It usually stems from some previous bad experience or listening to the bad experiences of others recounting the pain that they had to endure, the poor workmanship they might’ve received, or the fact that even with Novocain being injected into their gums they still felt discomfort and pain during the procedures.
One thing far too many people have concerns about when it comes to visiting the dentist are dental x-rays. Whenever somebody thinks about an x-ray they think about the potential for cancer and other problems developing. There have been some reported cases of cancer of the mouth developing, but there has been no direct link to x-rays.
If you visit your doctor or a hospital and are required to get x-rays because of an injury or some pain or discomfort you’re feeling inside, you will be led to a large machine and be advised to wear a lead filled vest or other protective material over other parts of your body. That’s to protect you from any unnecessary exposure to these x-rays.
The x-rays you find in a dentist’s office are nothing like those. They are far less intensive and less powerful.
That mitigates any potential risk of developing cancer or other health related issues as a result of dental x-rays. So if your dentist has advised you to get x-rays to see what’s really going on with your teeth, especially under the gum line, it’s best that you follow his or her advice.
If you have any other specific concerns about x-rays for yourself, children, or other family members, address these with your dentist. He or she will be able to explain much more clearly the type of process and procedure and equipment they use in their practice.