Dental X-ray - Long Island City, NY
Dental X-Rays: A Vital Diagnostic Tool for Comprehensive Dental Care
Dental x-rays are a diagnostic procedure which assists your dentist in diagnosing oral health conditions. There are certain problems which cannot be detected with the naked eye alone. Without it, you wouldn't be able to get a comprehensive oral examination.​
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Our dentists at 1311 Jackson Ave Dental recommend taking them at least once per year. Your dental x-ray in Long Island City is required to give you a peace of mind that nothing is wrong with your mouth.
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What we offer
Here at Jackson Ave Dental, we provide multiple types of dental x-rays which will help identify issues from multiple angles. We have a full mouth series of x-rays, bitewings, and PA (periapical) x-rays. Each of them serves a different purpose and are required for different oral conditions.
Full Mouth Series
A full mouth series of x-rays (FMX or FMS) is a grand total of 18 smaller radiographs put together. Their purpose is to capture information about every tooth in the entire mouth.
Bitewing X-ray
A bitewing radiograph is taken while you're biting down with your teeth together. It gives the most diagnostic information about cavities in between the teeth. It can also show chewing surface decay as well.
Periapical X-ray
Periapical radiographs (PA) shows the entire tooth from the crown to the tip of the root. It is mostly used to detect nerve infections that have traveled down the canal and reached the root apices.
Other types of x-rays
Just so that there are no surprises... Sometimes when we refer you to our dental specialists such as an endodontist (root canal specialist) or oral surgeon (wisdom teeth specialist), they may take other types of dental x-rays. The endodontist will often take CBCT x-rays while the oral surgeon may take CBCT or panoramic x-rays.
Panoramic X-ray
A panoramic x-ray (PANO) will take an image of your entire upper and lower jaw in one single film. This machine will move around your head in a 180 degree manner. It is often used to see wisdom teeth and if they are close to the nerve (inferior alveolar).
CBCT
A CBCT (cone beam) is a 3D x-ray that shows the entire jaw and skull in three dimensions. It is used to diagnose root fractures, extra canals, and also for implant placement.
When dental x-rays are needed
Dental radiographs are typically taken once a year to screen for tooth decay, infections, or gum disease. However, if you are experiencing a problem you will need to have one taken for the diagnosis.
When it's needed:
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Annually for preventative purposes
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Suspect a cavity
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Nerve infection
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Dental abscesses
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Monitor root resorption
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Before dental implants
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During root canals
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Tooth fracture
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Periodontitis
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Extractions (including wisdom teeth)
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Before starting orthodontics
How we can help
Our team at Jackson Ave Dental can help you get your x-rays if you need them. Whether that be for your annual check up or if you're having a dental issue. Most likely, it will be one of our dental assistants who will be taking your x-ray so you should get to know them.
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However, if we discover a problem you will need further treatment. Luckily for you, our dentists in Long Island City can diagnose you and provide treatment for you at the same time.
Curious as to what you may need? Check out some of the potential procedures and their conditions.
Cost of dental x-rays
If you have a PPO dental insurance, x-rays are typically covered at 100% so it wouldn't cost you any money out of pocket.Although we have seen exceptions at our office where there will be a deductible or copay.
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Annual deductible. Some insurances do have deductibles which activate for diagnostic and preventative services like x-rays.
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Copays. We have seen some plans which cover x-rays at 90% and that means you'll have a small 10% copay.
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If you do not have dental insurance, we do have a new patient special where you only have to pay for the dental cleaning but the dental x-ray and dental check up are included at no additional cost. This is a special offer provided to you by our LIC dentists. We don't like charging for x-rays because no one likes taking them so we just make them at no cost to you~
FAQs
How often should x-rays be taken?
Dental x-rays are typically taken once a year. Most insurances will cover them when taken every 12 months or per calendar year.
However, if you are at high risk for cavities or other oral conditions, you may need x-rays more frequently. How often you should take them should be tailored to your personal needs.
So, are you prone to cavities? If that is a yes, once a year may be inadequate for your situation.
Are radiographs necessary?
Radiographs are used as a complementary diagnostic technique for your dentist. There are certain situations and conditions which cannot be detected by visual examination. For example, cavities in between the teeth and abscesses by the root tip cannot be seen. Only an x-ray can detect them.
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Therefore, x-rays are necessary when they are taken at a minimum of once per year. Excessive amounts of radiation would be unnecessary such as taking x-rays every month!
Can I refuse x-rays?
You can always refuse x-rays if you don't want them. However, without taking them your dentist wouldn't be able to give you a complete oral evaluation. They would only be able to tell you want they can visually see.
Are radiographs safe?
The x-rays are safe when taken in moderation. According to University of Michigan, four check up x-rays has a similar dose of radiation as taking a 4 hour airplane flight.
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From a practical standpoint, your dentist will take x-rays once a year while you probably take multiple flights over the course of a year. If you were extremely concerned about excessive radiation, you may have to curb your traveling!
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