The Dentist’s Super Powers – X-Ray Vision
by Dr. Stephen J. Parr D.D.S.
Read The Dentist’s Super Powers – X-Ray Vision by Dr. Stephen J. Parr D.D.S. to learn more about Grove Smiles® Dentistry and our Dentistry office in Coconut Grove, FL.
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Have you ever asked yourself or others, “If you could have any superpower, what would it be?” Sure you have. More importantly, what would it be? Would it be to fly like Superman or have his super strength or even X-ray vision? Funny enough super strength and flight maybe a bit more fictional at the moment, but you do not have to look too far for X-ray vision (in a manner of speaking).
Today, we want to share with you a little bit about X-rays and how we , as Dentists, use them in our practice to find damaging cavities and other dental health issues before they have a larger effect on you and your family’s smile!
The Funny Discovery of X-Rays
In 1895 X-rays were first observed by German physicist Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen (1845-1923). While conducting an experiment testing whether cathode rays would pass through glass, Roentgen noticed a glow coming from a nearby chemically coated screen after he covered the glass cathode tubes. As he was unsure what rays were causing the glow, he nicknamed them “X-rays” and the name stuck!
Roentgen later became accredited with discovering the medical use of X-rays with the first photograph of a human body part using X-rays being his wife’s hand.
The Dentists Special Power
X-rays have become an incredibly valuable tool in modern medicine—especially for dentistry! We learn a lot from visually examining your teeth, but not everything is visible to the naked eye during a routine dental exam.
Dental X-rays allow us to detect and diagnose tooth decay between teeth, on hard-to-reach surfaces, and under existing dental work. X-rays can even be helpful in identifying dental and orthodontic issues that exist beneath the gum line—something that was impossible without invasive procedures before X-rays became widely available.
Safety First
Today both traditional and digital X-ray exams are safe. Each technique is designed to limit the body’s exposure to radiation by using minuscule doses to capture the X-ray images. For further protection, a leaded apron and thyroid collar are often used to minimize exposure to the abdomen and throat during an examination. These protective measures are helpful for everyone but especially recommended for children, women of childbearing age, and those who are pregnant.
If you are pregnant and in need of dental X-rays, be sure to tell your dentist. They will be sure to use the leaded apron and thyroid collar during your exam to protect you and your fetus from any radiation. Dental X-rays do not need to be delayed if you’re breastfeeding or trying to become pregnant but talk to your dentist if you have any questions or concerns.
Ounce Of Prevention – Better Than A Pound Of Cure
Dr. Stephen J. Parr and his fabulous team want to keep your mouth as healthy as possible and to preserve your beautiful smile for life. That is why it is essential that we discover and diagnose the earliest sign of a problem. X-rays are an important tool in helping spot these problems that might otherwise go unnoticed. If you have any questions about dental X-rays, please let us know! At Grove Smiles Dentistry in Coconut Grove, FL we love to speak with you about this or any other dental concern you may have.
For Your Health,
Dr. Stephen J. Parr D.D.S.
