Routine Dental Treatment is Safe and Important for Pregnant Women

Two things seem to keep women from seeing their dentist during pregnancy: fear of local anesthetics and a fear of X-rays. Pregnant women have often worried about the risks of lidocaine shots and other numbing agents to their unborn children, so they'll put off getting a filling, having a root canal, or even a routine checkup while they're pregnant, subjecting themselves to undue pain and discomfort.

What are Dental X-Rays Used For?

Periodically, Dr. Simon Melcher and the dental staff at Implant and General Dentistry in Raleigh will want to take X-rays of your teeth in order to catch any possible issues that may be hiding under the surface. Radiographs (X-rays) help your dentist determine the presence of a number of dental problems. Some of these problems include periodontal disease, abbesses and abnormal growths such as tumors or cysts.

In addition to uncovering the issues mentioned above, X-rays will allow your dentist to pinpoint the location of cavities and other conditions that may be too subtle to see during a visual exam. Without periodic X-rays, patients are more likely to experience serious dental problems. This is because early detection is the key to preventing a more serious issue later on.

Some patients are nervous about getting X-rays, due to radiation exposure. Although radiation can be harmful if a person is exposed to it in high levels, rest assured that our team is trained to follow all safety precautions when taking X-rays. By using state-of-the-art technology, such as digital radiography, and by staying knowledgeable about recent advances, we are aware of which techniques, procedures and X-ray films can minimize your exposure to radiation.

To learn more about dental X-rays or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Melcher, please visit our website at www.TheRaleighDentists.com or call us at 919-782-0548.