Today you asked us not to take x-rays of your teeth. Perhaps you are concerned about radiation. We share your concern. Please read the following to learn more about dental x-rays.

Everything we do has risks and rewards. We don't stay at home because we're afraid of being in a traffic accident. We are careful, however, not to take unnecessary risks. The x-radiation your jaw receives with four bitewing x-rays is about 40 microseiverts. As a comparison, your entire body receives that much just by flying to Los Angeles and back. Additionally we provide you with a lead shield and the airlines don't. Remember that dental radiation is only directed to an area which is the size of the dental x-ray ... not your entire body.

"What's in it for me?" Most diseases of the teeth, bone and surrounding tissues can not be seen with just a visual examination. X-rays show beginning decay especially between your teeth, tumors, cysts, absesses and infections as well as serious periodontal disease. A "Full Series" of 18 rays offers us the complete view of all your teeth and adjacent structures. We only ask that you have this done once every three years or so. The four "bite-wing" x-rays we normally take every six to twelve months do not reveal anything about the root ends (where absesses can be detected) or anything at all about your front teeth. Ideal for detecting decay in your chewing teeth they do nothing to preserve your smile. Additionally, at DentFirst, your "full series" x-rays are reviewed by another dentist as well ... an added DentFirst value.

DentFirst respects your decision to defer any radiographic examination today, but we encourage you to understand the downside as well. Keep on smiling with DentFirst!