Being afraid of the dentist can seem like a bit of a cliché but for many it can become and overwhelming terror that can hinder or prevent dental treatment; in some extreme cases patients will be unable to even walk through the door. According the Adult Dental Health Survey 2009, more than a third of adults (36%) have moderate dental anxiety, and a further 12% have extreme dental anxiety.(1)

For many, the fear surrounds X-rays and concerns about exposure to radiation. If this relates to you, it can be reassuring to know that you’re not alone with these feelings. Don’t hesitate to tell your dentist about these fears, they will understand and be able to reassure you.

To help allay these worries, it can be useful to know a little about dental X-rays and why we use them. You will usually have one taken as a new patient and then every 6-24 months after that depending on your oral health. X-rays show early tooth decay so they are important for helping to prevent complications that could eventually lead to tooth loss. The machines used are specifically designed to emit low radiation dosages in order to keep us all safe. If you are pregnant it is wise to tell your dentist as they will probably avoid X-rays, especially during the first three months of your pregnancy.

The system used at Harley Street Dental Group is state-of-the-art to enable high quality images to allow us to diagnose dental problems but it also built-in function that reduces radiation by 40-60%, providing peace of mind for all.

If you have fears over X-rays, radiation or anything else related to visiting the dentist, contact the Harley Street Dental Group on 020 7636 5981 where we will be happy to discuss them with you.

http://www.hscic.gov.uk/catalogue/PUB01086/adul-dent-heal-surv-summ-them-the8-2009-re10.pdf