Too many times when a patient presents with a broken tooth, I will look back through the records and realize that the patient opted not to have X-rays taken during previous check-ups. When a patient makes this decision, it’s usually for monetary reasons. While I can certainly understand this concern, it’s often costlier in the long run.
We all know that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, thanks to Ben Franklin. Well, that’s exactly what happens in this case. Some problems simply cannot be seen by the dentist during an oral examination. So, what could have been detected and treated with a small filling becomes a crown — which is eight to 10 times the price!
Additionally, without X-rays, the dentist cannot tell you with 100 percent certainty that you’re truly cavity-free. So, annual bitewing X-rays are really worth the small fee. Caring for small problems is always better than treating the larger, more painful ones.
