First, decay never goes away. Once it has reached half way through the tooths enamel, it must be treated. Tooth decay between teeth oftentimes cannot be seen without a dental X-ray leading patients to wait until they feel pain and require more complex dental work. Standard of care is to take bitewing radiographs, or X-rays every year.
Sometimes, we have patients who have a very low caries, or decay, rates and they may wait 18 or even 24 months between radiographs, on the doctors recommendation. Some patients, may need a particular area viewed more often than once per year, if decay or caries is suspected. Normally, a dentist will order four bitewing, or biting X-rays of the back teeth, where most dental disease is present. Sometimes, the dentist may ask for an anterior film, looking between the front teeth, as some small cavities begin there as well.
Once every 5 years your dentist should take a full mouth series of X-rays to look at everything in your mouth. This set of films can show roots, bones, abscesses and many other normal and abnormal things in your mouth. For children, this may be in the form of a panoramic film, which looks at the development of the arch and any teeth that are forming or will form. It can show missing teeth, extra teeth, or malpositioned teeth. The panoramic film is often also used by an orthodontist to determine if a child needs to wear braces, or for an oral surgeon in accessing wisdom teeth or third molars. This radiograph is also done for those wearing or wanting dentures.
Some people worry about the radiation in dental radiographs. First, a safe amount of radiation exposure per year is 620mrem. For example, a mammogram of one side uses 42mrem and smoking a pack of cigarettes exposes you to 36mrem of radiation. A standard dental X-ray uses just 0.5mrem of radiation and a digital X-ray which is used by most dental offices is just 0.1mrem of exposure. When you weigh the cost to benefit ratio of letting decay progress to a stage where it can cause infection and pain, the exposure is minimal.
Reviews
Rating 4.8 out of 5 based on 19 reviews
Sort by
newest oldest highest lowestLindsey Thornton
2 years ago
First time taking my son to the dentist and they were AMAZING!!! She was SO patient with him, talked with him, showed him stickers and the dinosaur with the teeth to get him to brush, let him be a kid to get their job done. I couldn't have asked for a better experience for him than what we got today!! Highly recommend them, especially for your littles!!
Eddie Wilson
2 years ago
I have had the pleasure of working with Dr. Franklin over the past few months. The office is extremely clean and the staff is very friendly and welcoming. I have never felt so comfortable at a dental office in my entire life. I highly recommend using Dr Franklin and his wonderful staff. They will make sure you are taken care of and more importantly comfortable. I look forward to continuing using their services. You can tell they take pride in what they do. Dr. Franklin is the man! Updated review: I know I've reviewed this location once before but I couldn't help but come back and add some additional comments. I unfortunately had to return for another issue. I was very nervous and worried about the procedure but Dr. Franklin really made me feel comfortable and put my mind at ease. With the cleanest environment and the friendliest staff. The crew at Franklin dental continues to put a smile on my face (pun intended). As a person that used to be absolutely terrified of the dentist. I show up every time a lot more comfortable thanks to the care and professionalism of this location. If Dr.Franklin tells you he's really good at something he sure does mean it. Great job again from the team!
Eddie Wilson
3 years ago
I have had the pleasure of working with Dr. Franklin over the past few months. The office is extremely clean and the staff is very friendly and welcoming. I have never felt so comfortable at a dental office in my entire life. I highly recommend using Dr Franklin and his wonderful staff. They will make sure you are taken care of and more importantly comfortable. I look forward to continuing using their services. You can tell they take pride in what they do. Dr. Franklin is the man! Updated review: I know I've reviewed this location once before but I couldn't help but come back and add some additional comments. I unfortunately had to return for another issue. I was very nervous and worried about the procedure but Dr. Franklin really made me feel comfortable and put my mind at ease. With the cleanest environment and the friendliest staff. The crew at Franklin dental continues to put a smile on my face (pun intended). As a person that used to be absolutely terrified of the dentist. I show up every time a lot more comfortable thanks to the care and professionalism of this location. If Dr.Franklin tells you he's really good at something he sure does mean it. Great job again from the team!
Assistant Beckwell
3 years ago
I'm one of the lucky 5% that had their wisdom teeth come in with no problem. But, after 40 years they are hard to brush back there and develop cavities and require fillings. I needed a small patch done to a filling in one of my wisdom teeth smaller than 2mm and she complained the whole time about how she hates wisdom teeth and having to work on them. Geez lady, sorry I have 32 teeth instead of 28, what an utter inconvenience to YOU whom I'm paying to do work on my teeth. Glad I could pay you to listen to you whine about the work I'm paying for.
Linda Sandoval
3 years ago
Nice clean office. Super friendly staff. In and out as a new patient within an hour. I took my little one (3yrs old) to peak in on the dental experience... Loved how supportive and engaging everyone was with him.
Elle Morrison
3 years ago
I would highly recommend, front desk staff was friendly & quick to check me in. All dental staff were professional & ensured that I was comfortable the entire time.
Linda Sandoval
4 years ago
Nice clean office. Super friendly staff. In and out as a new patient within an hour. I took my little one (3yrs old) to peak in on the dental experience... Loved how supportive and engaging everyone was with him.
Assistant Beckwell
4 years ago
I'm one of the lucky 5% that had their wisdom teeth come in with no problem. But, after 40 years they are hard to brush back there and develop cavities and require fillings. I needed a small patch done to a filling in one of my wisdom teeth smaller than 2mm and she complained the whole time about how she hates wisdom teeth and having to work on them. Geez lady, sorry I have 32 teeth instead of 28, what an utter inconvenience to YOU whom I'm paying to do work on my teeth. Glad I could pay you to listen to you whine about the work I'm paying for.
Elle Morrison
4 years ago
I would highly recommend, front desk staff was friendly & quick to check me in. All dental staff were professional & ensured that I was comfortable the entire time.
Matthew Smith
4 years ago
Amazing place, I've been going to this office for over 30 years. Highly recommend.
Marc Mylott
4 years ago
We can't say enough great things about Dr. Angi and her staff at Peacock Dental! My wife, our three kids, and I all see her. Everyone is so friendly and welcoming. We would highly, highly, highly recommend Peacock Dental for you and your family!
Marc Mylott
5 years ago
We can't say enough great things about Dr. Angi and her staff at Peacock Dental! My wife, our three kids, and I all see her. Everyone is so friendly and welcoming. We would highly, highly, highly recommend Peacock Dental for you and your family!
Matthew Smith
5 years ago
Amazing place, I've been going to this office for over 30 years. Highly recommend.
Ted Aquino
5 years ago
Awesome staff!!
Ted Aquino
5 years ago
Awesome staff!!
Kirsten Shelby
6 years ago
10/10 would reccomend.
Aleksandar Radosavljevic
6 years ago
Be going here for 15+ year great place. They do their job very well!
Aleksandar Radosavljevic
6 years ago
Be going here for 15+ year great place. They do their job very well!
Sam Grey
6 years ago
Great Dentist, Dr. Angie is a genuinely nice person. She is the consummate professional.
Kirsten Shelby
6 years ago
10/10 would reccomend.
Load more