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The Importance of Dental X-rays for Assessing Oral Health

Fri, 23 Oct 2026 17:00:44 GMT

I wanted to take the time to share with you some of my thoughts on dental x-rays. I will start by saying that dental x-rays are extremely important to what we do everyday. There is no doubt about it. We have the ability to see between teeth and under the gums and deep within the jaw bones! We have found cysts and tumors and even stones in the carotid artery.

However, we understand people are hesitant to take dental x-rays, and that is totally normal in today's climate of uncertainty and distrust. I get it. We get it.

But now imagine at your work, your profession, the most difficult and stubborn person to work with. They want things on their terms, because they don't understand or have been misinformed. They don't mean to be difficult. They want to be helped, or else why would they see you?

If they deny the type of diagnostic tools that help you do your job, and you have to guess on what is going on in their situation, you could end up unintentionally hurting them!

This is why it is critical to discuss with your dentist the importance of dental x-rays, and how the amount and frequency of them can be altered based on risk of problems and medical history.

It does not have to be all or none.

A good dentist and dental hygienist will listen to your concerns and come up with a plan that minimizes x-rays, but still allows us to see what is going on in parts of your mouth we cannot see.

We have patients that have not had cavities in years, and come to see us every 6 months. As a result, they have gums that are healthy and free of gum disease. We then reduce the amount of x-rays taken in their cases.

It is also important to consider that dental x-rays have come a long way since they were invented. New technology has reduced the amount of radiation considerably.

A full set of dental x-rays is only recommended once every 5 years. The amount of radiation for this set of x-rays is about the same as the radiation you receive when flying from Florida to California. A chest x-ray is four times more radiation, and a CT scan of your head is about 200 times more. This doesn't mean that the radiation for dental x-rays is insignificant, we still want to be cautious as possible, we just want to put it in perspective.

When someone is new to our office we require a full set of x-rays, as this allows us to come up with a conservative and preventative treatment plan. However, we will gladly honor and utilize dental x-rays taken at another dental office within the last 5 years. This saves both radiation and money. So if you moved or are switching dentists, do not be afraid to reach out to your former dental office and request your x-rays, because after all they are your property.

Second Opinions

Fri, 23 Oct 2026 16:54:44 GMT

At our office, we get quite a few "second opinion" type of visits. Usually it is something like "A new dentist came in for my old dentist that retired, and all of a sudden they said I have 15 cavities, when I never had any before". Or we hear "The place my insurance sent me to has a different dentist every time I go in there. "Or the old classic:"The dentist and staff just wouldn't listen to what I was looking for", or some variation of this. You will also see negative comments like this on social media sites like Nextdoor or Facebook.

In a world of "you get what you pay for", I would recommend going to a dentist that is consistent and allows you to help direct your own treatment. I can't stress enough the importance of consistency. Cavities start small, and can either grow quickly, or a lot of times stay very small. The problem is that one set of x-rays, taken on a given day, cannot accurately tell a dentist whether cavities or other conditions are advancing rapidly or staying put. The best way to evaluate a person's risk for cavities or acid wear or gum disease, is to get to know them.

If I see only minor cavities on an x-ray, I tell the patient that we will see how they look at the next exam and go from there. My hygienist and I will give tips on how to keep the potential cavities from growing and mark them in the chart. If I find out a patient is moving out of town, I will caution them to make sure their new dentist does not try to fill teeth that we have been conservatively monitoring for years. This is how dentistry and medicine are supposed to work.

Another major complaint we encounter during second opinion evaluations is that individuals received a plan for over ten thousand dollars worth of work without any clear explanation or visual representation. It's very possible this dentist had the patient's best interest in long-term health when crafting such a plan, but that kind of price tag can be a shock to the system, especially with little to no explaining of why or the potential benefits of such treatment.

My recommendation would be to simply stop and ask a few questions, such as:

"What would be the risk of not doing or delaying such treatment?"

"Is there a less expensive alternative that can prevent future damage until I get the funds together?”

And last but probably the most effective: "What would you do if you were in my position and money is tight?"

Any defensive or short answer to these questions is an obvious red flag. When in doubt, get a second opinion. Find a place that has online reviews which specifically mention being conservative or honest.

Toddler Teeth Tips

Fri, 23 Oct 2026 16:42:16 GMT

February is National Children's Dental Health Month, and I wanted to share some tips on how to keep the littlest teeth healthy. My kids are now three and five years old, and struggling firsthand through these early years has given me a new perspective on how difficult it can be to enforce good oral hygiene at home. Bedtime is pure chaos most nights, and making sure the teeth get brushed and flossed is not easy, but it's doable.

I find the hardest part with my kids is diet. They would eat nothing but candy if I let them, and their normal sustenance, as with pretty much all kids, is processed carbohydrates (read: Goldfish crackers). My kids will even try stall tactics at bedtime and whine that they need another snack. I say sure, but we must brush again afterward! Another personal example is that my five-year-old son knocked out his front two baby teeth in a balance-bike accident when he was two years old, and now is terrified of the dentist chair! The struggle is real for all parents.

As I've detailed in previous articles, the best start is to have a child seen at a dentist's office right around their second birthday. The first visit may only involve a quick exam while the child sits on a parent's lap, and always ends with a positive-reinforcing trip to the treasure box. It's all about introducing the strange sights, sounds and smells, and future visits can slowly be built-upon, to grow confidence slowly and safely.

At home, I recommend parents try to use little flossers between baby teeth as many nights as possible. These can be purchased in giant packs on Amazon. This not only introduces the habit of flossing, but most of these little flossers have fluoride on the string and helps to reduce cavities in between teeth. I make it a game, and I let them floss my teeth, and then they try to do their own. They usually focus on the front teeth, which is easier for them, but I take the time to floss between their back teeth, as this is unfortunately where I see the most cavities during exams at the office.

Fluoride is always a controversial issue for many reasons. I recommend Fluoride at all ages, but starting toddlers on a training toothpaste with no fluoride is a good idea, until the child can learn to spit and not swallow toothpaste. If a child is drinking plenty of Fluoridated city water, even if it is mixed in with formula or any flavoring methods, this should help overcome the lack of Fluoride with training toothpaste. However, where I see parents run into trouble is when there is filtered water used in the house, and no Fluoride in the toothpaste. Keep in mind, without Fluoride, the diet has to be nearly perfect, and without processed carbs and sugars. If you are fluoride-averse, there are kid's toothpastes and even lollipops that contain Xylitol which can be a natural alternative.

So, parents and grandparents of young children, don't wait, start as soon as possible and get your little one into a dentist's chair to begin the lifelong process of making the dental office a pleasant place. Also remember to focus on their teeth each night during the hectic bedtime routine, it is worth it.

New Office, New Experience

Fri, 23 Oct 2026 16:36:21 GMT

For eight years, we have delivered quality and compassionate dentistry in a nondescript hallway-of-an-office, deep within a busy Publix plaza. Dr. McHenry practiced at our previous location for over 15 years, and while both of us have built strong reputations, many longtime Brevard County residents were still unaware of where we were located. That's no longer the case. We've taken a major step forward by relocating our office to the vibrant Highway A 1A corridor in northern Indialantic. The new location provides increased space, improved parking accessibility, and a sleek, contemporary environment. Most importantly, the office has been thoughtfully designed to highlight and support the latest advancements in dental technology. One of the most common things we hear from patients is, "Dentistry has come a long way since l was a kid growing up in a rural area." And it's true-modern dental care is more advanced, more comfortable, and more convenient than ever before.

That convenience starts with scheduling. New patient visits can be booked entirely online, whenever it works for you-even in the middle of the night. In fact, we've seen appointments come in as early as 2 am, a clear sign that the days of calling during office hours are behind us. Our booking system is simple, flexible, and available 24/7.

When you arrive, your experience is just as seamless. Check-in is fully digital, saving time and reducing paperwork. Our X-rays use a fraction of the radiation used in the past and appear instantly on screen. Each treatment room is equipped with large, high-definition monitors so we can walk you through your images-helping you see exactly what we see. It's a transparent, collaborative approach that helps us build trust from the very beginning.

During cleanings or treatment, we've added TVs mounted on the ceiling above each chair. It's a small touch that makes a big difference for anyone who finds it hard to relax in the dental setting.

For restorative needs, we offer same-day CEREC crowns. That means no waiting weeks for a lab, no second appointments, and no need for temporary crowns that tend to fall off at the worst possible time-like late on a Friday night. Instead, your custom crown is designed, milled, and permanently placed right here in our office, usually in under two hours.

While your crown is being fabricated,you're welcome to watch the process (a favoriteamong our engineer patients), catch up on work or emails, stream a show, or even take a walk to the beach-now just steps from our front door.

Looking ahead, we're excited about what the next 10 or 20 years will bring in dental technology. We've intentionally built our office with the future in mind, including space for a CT scan unit and dedicated infrastructure for in-house 3D printing. With innovations on the horizon, especially in digital dentistry, we're ready to evolve right alongside them.

Cars versus Teeth?

Fri, 23 Oct 2026 16:25:44 GMT

If you asked me what business is most like dentistry, the answer is a car repair place. Sure, dentistry is a medical profession, I am a doctor, I have diagnosed cancer, and I prescribe and dispense medicine. But the similarities of a dentist to a mechanic, and a dental office to a tire shop are striking.

Most importantly, there must be trust between you and the dentist or mechanic. People have little clue about what is going on under the hood, just like trying to figure out which tooth is hurting. The trust to have someone tell you the pros and cons of repair work, alternatives to treatment, and risks of "leaving it be" are critical. There is extreme value in trusting someone to correctly figure out what a problem is, and doing so without rushing to judgment and recommending overtreatment (a root canal or a whole new engine!). There are a lot of auto shops and a lot of dental offices out there, so second opinions can provide

clarity when trust is questionable.

You need trust between a service provider and a consumer in almost any field, but where the two professions align the most is the need for routine maintenance. Whether it is getting your teeth cleaned, or changing the oil, both involve having expert eyes on areas that are typically unseen to

make sure problems are not brewing. Routine maintenance generally carries a minor cost, both money and time, but forgoing can lead to much costlier repairs down the road.

Last, if problems do arise, the question of patching a repair versus doing it properly can be tricky. They are very situational. Patching an engine or a tire, when a car is on its last legs, is far different than a shiny new car. The same consideration should be applied to teeth and patients. Just be sure to ask the provider for

risks and benefits of a patch.

The most hidden similarity between the two is the amount of money spent on "new ones". When someone has health challenges, and requires the remaining teeth to be removed and replaced, people will sometimes gasp that it can cost upwards of $30,000 for implants. Yet, a new car easily costs this much and no one bats an eye because it's often financed. If you use a car three times a day, that's about average, but that's also how often you have a meal. And don't forget smiling and speaking, which adds up to way more than you would use a new car.

AI and Dentistry

Wed, 12 Aug 2026 15:14:54 GMT

Artificial Intelligence (AI) already has many current applications in modern dentistry and the future promises many more. The first and most important use for AI is not interrupting my busy schedule and having ChatGPT write me a perfectly boring article for this magazine.

No, just kidding, AI cannot be trusted for such a momentous task. AI was not used to write this piece.

The actual current most important use of AI is using it to analyze our dental x-rays. As of six months ago, we started utilizing a software called Overjet, which uses artificial intelligence to look for hidden cavities, bone loss and abscesses in the jaw bone. The program also color-codes any potential issues to make it easy for us to see, and easy for our patients to visualize.

At first thought, it might seem like this is a product of laziness or even a sales technique. However, it is a function of thoroughness. The worst feeling in the world is finding out you missed a cavity on a trusted long-time patient. This can easily happen to even the best dentist, because we are guilty of running from room to room, and trying to simultaneously converse with people about surfing or vacations or whatever we love discussing. The AI x-ray software allows us to slow down and spot things easier. Sure, the software is often wrong, and sees things that aren’t really problems, but at least we now take the extra time to double check those areas. AI does not get tired, AI does not get distracted, AI is simply better than the humans at spotting different shades of gray.

Other current uses for AI are notetaking and observing, and also insurance verification and claims approval. These aren’t quite as impactful, but help to streamline the way an office functions. If AI can listen to a consultation or procedure and summarize it, it helps to make chart notes more thorough and accurate. We can use the Overjet software to show dental insurance carriers when and why teeth need crowns, and insurance accepts the claim automatically.

The future of AI in all the various industries can simultaneously amaze or frighten. I do not think AI will be taking the job of dentists or our support staff for a long, long time. While robotic AI-driven dental implant surgery is already taking place, it appears to be a long-way off from mainstream use. On any given afternoon, I will place molar sealants on a squirming 7 year old and then move to the next room and place a front tooth filling on an 82 year old with Parkinson’s disease. Seems like a tough task for a robot to handle those routine complexities.

For the foreseeable future, I see Artificial Intelligence opening doors to make going to the dentist easier, more organized and even more painless.

Dentistry as We Age

Wed, 12 Aug 2026 15:14:52 GMT

One of the biggest challenges I face every day is how to treat the aging population. Here on the Space Coast the locals are living longer, and other older folks are moving in from out of town to our slice of heaven. Generally, once a person reaches their eighties changes start to occur within the mouth. It is easier to get cavities in areas that previously were better cleaned and more well-protected. People that have had no cavities their whole lives start to have problems, seemingly out of the blue. This is due to many factors, and a large one is gum recession which can expose a tooth’s softer root. Almost every medication causes dry mouth, and without the body’s protective saliva, tooth decay happens much quicker and is harder to prevent. Also, arthritis and dexterity concerns of the hands and fingers impair the ability to brush and floss. By the time a person reaches this age, there has typically been a lot of dental work done already, and it also easier to get cavities around the margins or edges of existing crowns and fillings. Teeth also have had a lifetime to shift and get crooked, again making it harder to clean.

Combine all these factors with the simple fact that as we age, overall health generally diminishes and dental treatment can be more strenuous and complex and expensive.

The challenges really start to mount when a person starts to decline from dementia or Alzheimer’s. There are so many factors in play here, I like to sit down with as many of their caregivers as possible and hammer out a very conservative plan. Obviously, when there are memory issues it becomes very hard to deal with change. Often I will see a case where an adult son or daughter brings in an assisted living facility resident for an evaluation, and no one realizes how bad Mom or Dad’s teeth have become recently. The difficulty then becomes whether or not to even begin treatment. In this situation, if they have never had a denture or partial denture in the past, adjusting to such a prosthesis can be almost impossible late in life. Usually, we focus on removing teeth that are likely to suffer from infection, and kind of “making do with what we have”. Replacing teeth with implants is often too complex and expensive and sometimes require the unenviable task of calculating a person’s lifespan and practicality. These cases make me wish I had a magic wand, but I do not have one.

A very interesting phenomenon I see when someone reaches their late 90’s into the 100’s is that the teeth will just start to break apart. Even in someone with great cognitive function and a full healthy set of teeth. Cavities are generally not to blame, but the teeth just become brittle at this age and have had their share of meals on them and just wear out and snap. This can be frustrating for someone trying to eat food they enjoy in their last few years, and sad to watch. I suspect this will become more and more of a problem as lifespans continue to soar.

Despite these challenges, I enjoy the privilege of having an older patient base. They tell great stories, are appreciative of our care, and need our help the most.

I think every single day I have someone tell me, “Don’t get old” or “Not sure why they call these the golden years”. The most proactive advice I can give is to keep a healthy mouth in your younger years, to minimize the challenges late in life. It’s not cheap, and takes a lot of work, but think about how much you use your teeth every day.