Dental X-Rays in St. Thomas

Why Are Dental X-Rays Important?

Dental X-rays are an essential part of oral health and tailoring care to an individual patient, helping dentists stay efficient with their treatments and recommendations. They are essential for the early detection of many problems in the oral cavity, including tooth decay, gum disease, infections, bone loss, and other issues. The earlier that problems are identified, the more damage can be mitigated, allowing patients to enjoy their natural smiles for as long as possible.

X-rays are also essential for planning out smooth and efficient procedures. By giving your dentist an opportunity to carefully analyze your teeth and bite, there’s less guesswork. Your provider will be able to make personalized recommendations based on your specific circumstances, including for tooth extractions, orthodontic care, and numerous additional treatments. X-rays allow dentists to see areas of your mouth that cannot be seen with the naked eye, helping them to find hidden cavities, infections, wisdom teeth, tumors, and other issues.

Your dentist will also be able to monitor any oral health changes that take place over greater periods of time. Your teeth may shift and look slightly different from the X-ray you took over a year ago, for example. Dental X-rays serve as a solid visual reference to track progress for treatments, allowing dentists to look into the state of your oral health over time.

Are Dental X-Rays Safe?

Dental X-rays are generally safe, though there is a small risk of causing cancer because of the low levels of radiation. Most dental providers provide coverage through lead aprons and thyroid collars to patients, whether they are young children or grown adults. 

However, depending on a patient’s individual risk, a dentist may use an alternative imaging option. For many dentists, a digital scan is enough. An MRI or ultrasound may be helpful in particular circumstances. 

Pregnant women are at slightly higher risk of developing cancer or negatively affecting unborn children, so we encourage you to speak with your dental provider if you have any concerns. However, medical providers generally only recommend pregnant individuals avoid X-rays to the pelvis or abdomen. If you have any additional questions related to your dental care, we encourage you to contact your provider at VI Dental for support.

What to Expect During a Dental X-Ray Appointment in St. Thomas

Generally, dentists will schedule dental X-rays to occur during a regular check-up. Patients do not typically get an X-ray at every appointment to the dentist. Your dental care team will generally tell you that it’s time to get a new X-ray at the beginning of your appointment. However, it may be helpful to speak with your provider if you have a sensitive gag reflex.

We’ll provide you with protective equipment, reducing radiation exposure to your chest, thyroid, and any reproductive organs. You’ll then bite down on a small plastic or cardboard frame to capture your bite accurately on the X-ray film. The sensor will be placed in your mouth or near your face, and a dentist or assistant will operate the machine.

We’ll need to take multiple images of your mouth and teeth from several angles, as this will help us have a full picture of your oral cavity. When we receive the results, we’ll be able to review your X-rays together and discuss a plan of action moving forward, if necessary.

Dental X-Rays in St. Thomas: Your Key to a Healthy Smile

When it comes to maintaining your oral health, we believe in precision and care at VI Dental Center. Our dental X-ray services in St. Thomas help us uncover hidden issues, plan effective treatments, and track your progress over time. With over 15 years of dedication to the Virgin Islands community, we use advanced imaging technology to provide tailored care for every patient.

Whether you’re dealing with cavities, planning for orthodontics, or simply monitoring your oral health, dental X-rays are a cornerstone of modern dentistry. Schedule your appointment with VI Dental Center today by calling us at our St. Thomas location at (340) 776-6056, our St. Croix location at (340) 772-6000, or by visiting our contact form. We look forward to meeting you and learning more about how we can support you during your care with us.