There is no one-size-fits-all dental treatment. Some people need to visit the dentist once or twice a year; others may need more visits. You are a unique individual, with a unique smile and unique needs when it comes to keeping your smile healthy.

Exposure to all sources of radiation -- including the sun, minerals in the soil, appliances in your home, and dental X-rays -- can damage the body's tissues and cells and lead to the development of cancer. Fortunately, the dosage of X-ray radiation received by a dental patient is typically extremely small for a full mouth series, according to the American Dental Association website, equivalent to a few days' worth of background environmental radiation exposure, or similar to the dose received during a cross-country airplane flight.
At Stony Point Dental Care we use new digital X-ray machines that limit the radiation beam to the small area being X-rayed, higher speed X-ray films that require shorter exposure time compared with older film speeds to get the same results, and the use of film holders that keep the film in place in the mouth (which prevents the film from slipping and the need for repeat X-rays and additional radiation exposure). We also use of lead-lined, full-body aprons protects the body from stray radiation.

Regular dental visits are important because they can help spot dental health problems early on when treatment is likely to be simpler and more affordable. They also help prevent many problems from developing in the first place. Even if you don’t have any symptoms, you can still have dental health problems that only a dentist can diagnose. Visiting your dentist regularly is also important because some diseases or medical conditions have symptoms that can appear in the mouth.