X-Rays

 

We often have patients decide not to have certain procedures performed because their insurance does not cover that particular service.  Sadly, this is especially true of preventative procedures.  It can be frustrating for dentists when a service needs to be performed, but the decision of an insurance company gets in the way.

Don't let insurance decide your treatment options.

We would like to encourage you not to let insurance companies dictate your level of care.  Like most businesses, their primary function is to make a profit. Insurance policies and health plans are designed to give you what the insurance company considers adequate care to balance their costs versus the premium that you are currently paying.  Likewise, your employers’ choices of health plan benefits are based primarily on cost versus coverage.  This is all understandable, but what your insurance does and does not cover should not be the final factor in deciding the care you and your family receives.  Even if you have to pay out of pocket, the future benefits of preventative care may far outweigh the immediate financial cost.

An ounce of prevention...

Preventative procedures such as fluoride treatments, sealants and x-rays are among the most frequently declined dental services because they can seem optional, unnecessary and are not always covered by every health plan.  Many insurance policies, for example, will only cover one fluoride treatment each year even though having a fluoride treatment at each visit can help prevent cavities in children.   Less costly preventative care can often save you and your family from the pain and discomfort of cavities as well as save you money.  It’s not uncommon for patients to spend hundreds or even thousands of dollars for dental problems that must be taken care of when earlier care could have prevented the issue at a fraction of the cost.

 

We're here to help you make the best decision.

We are very sensitive to your families’ budget and always try to help you make the best care decision possible.  We would never suggest treatment that we don’t think our patients need. Please feel free to ask us about any of the services that we offer.  Give us an opportunity to explain the benefits of each procedure so that you can make informed decisions.  Don’t let an insurance company pick the level of care your family receives.

We often hear from patients concerned about the exposure to radiation from dental radiographs, or x-rays.  Naturally, they want to limit anything that may present a health risk to themselves or their children.  New technology, however, means that the amount of radiation received from dental x-rays is extremely limited.   The minimal exposure from a focused x-ray beam is certainly safer than risking an oral problem that may go unnoticed otherwise.  In fact, in some cases, a dental x-ray may even save your life.

Dental x-rays are beneficial because they can detect more than just cavities.  Radiographs are often able to  detect existing problems, but also help prevent developing and future issues that are invisible to the naked eye.

For adults, dental x-rays can reveal hidden decay in between teeth or under an existing filing.   By looking at the structures of the mouth, x-rays can show bone loss that is associated with gun disease, abscesses, cysts and even some tumors.

In children, x-rays are used to monitor tooth decay as well as look at how permanent teeth are developing.  We look for potential issues, checking teeth and their roots along with jaw placement and facial structure.  Wisdom teeth are also watched by using x-rays to make sure they aren’t becoming impacted.

The benefits of dental x-rays sharply outweighs any potential health risk.  Today’s equipment, along with standard precautions, make radiographs for you and your family safe and valuable. If you have any questions, please let Dr. Greenhill know at your next appointment.