During your regular dental checkup and cleaning, your dentist in Fort Lauderdale uses dental x-rays to detect oral health issues, like cavities and gum disease.  At Excellence in Dentistry we encourage yearly "check-up series" of x-rays to detect any issues early before they can progress or worsen.  X-rays allow your dentist to see and diagnose a wide range of oral health issues.

Dental X-rays show:

• Cavities, particularly areas of decay between teeth.
• Decay underneath or surrounding existing fillings.
• Bone loss in your jaw.
• Areas of infection.
• The position of unerupted or impacted teeth.
• Cysts and some types of tumors.

Because they understand the importance of regular dental exams including x-rays, most insurance companies cover these "preventative services" completely.  It is more cost effective to detect any problems early when they can be addressed and corrected with minimally invasive dental procedures.  When x-rays are skipped, a dental issue may go undetected until it worsens, causing pain and a need for more extensive and costly dental procedures. Dr. Nancy Rotroff and Dr. Gerard Wasselle are in-network dentists for numerous dental insurance companies.  Call our office at 954-928-1666 to see if we take your PPO dental insurance plan. 

Are Dental X-Rays Safe?

Prior to taking any dental x-rays, your dentist or dental hygienist will give you a lead apron, a type of protective clothing used during a dental X-ray that ultimately acts as a shield from radiation exposure. The amount of radiation from a dental x-ray is quite small.  Your dental checkup series of xrays includes four to six xrays. Four bitewing x-rays, which is what many people get in a routine exam, give about .005 millisieverts of radiation, according to the American College of Radiology. That’s about the same amount of radiation you get in a normal day from the sun and other sources like:

• TVs, smartphones and computers.
• Building materials like ceramic floor tiles and granite countertops.
• Background radiation from the sun, stars and the Earth itself.

Can I Refuse Dental X-rays?

As our valued patient, you have the right to refuse dental x-rays. However, it’s important to understand that this eliminates an important tool for your dentist to assess your oral health and safely provide treatement.  Most dentists will not provide services without x-rays. If radiation exposure is your concern regarding dental x-rays, talk with your dentist who can help you weigh the pros and cons of getting dental x-rays. 

If it has been six months or longer since your last dental checkup and professional dental cleaning, make an appointment with your dentist  on Commercial Blvd by calling Excellence in Dentistry at 954-928-1666 today.  Your dentist will use a  combination of an oral exam and dental x-rays diagnose any need for treatment. Staying on top of these dental appointments is crucial for your overall health. 

Excellence in Dentistry

Nancy Rotroff, DDS, MAGD and Gerard Wasselle, DMD

2480 E. Commercial Blvd, Suite 2

Fort Lauderdale, FL  33308