Dental X-rays are an essential part of maintaining strong, healthy teeth and gums. While your dentist can see the visible parts of your mouth during a routine exam, X-rays allow them to view what’s happening beneath the surface, including areas like the jawbone, tooth roots, and spaces between teeth. These images help detect issues early, often before you feel pain or notice symptoms.
What Are Dental X-Rays?
Dental X-rays (also called radiographs) are images captured using a low dose of radiation. These images show structures inside your mouth that aren’t visible during a standard checkup, such as nerves, bone density, and hidden cavities. Consulting dentists near me can help ensure these X-rays are used appropriately for accurate diagnosis. X-rays can be taken using traditional film or digital sensors, with digital methods using significantly less radiation.
What Can Dental X-Rays Reveal?
Dental X-rays help your provider detect and diagnose a wide range of oral conditions, including:
- Cavities, especially those between teeth
- Decay beneath fillings or crowns
- Bone loss caused by gum disease
- Impacted or unerupted teeth
- Abscesses or oral infections
- Cysts or tumors
Dentists also rely on X-rays to plan orthodontic treatments, dental implants, dentures, or to evaluate healing after procedures like root canals or bone grafts.
How Do They Work?
During an X-ray, a small beam of radiation passes through the soft tissues of your mouth. Dense structures, like teeth and bone, appear white, while softer areas appear darker, helping your dentist identify abnormalities.
There are two primary categories of dental X-rays:
- Intraoral: Where the film or sensor is placed inside your mouth for detailed internal imaging.
- Extraoral: Where the film or sensor remains outside your mouth to capture broader structural images.
Intraoral X-rays (inside the mouth)
- Bitewing: Detects cavities and bone changes
- Periapical: Shows entire tooth roots and surrounding bone
- Occlusal: Helps identify impacted teeth or jaw fractures
Extraoral X-rays (outside the mouth)
- Panoramic: Shows your teeth, jaw, sinuses, and surrounding structures
- Cephalometric: Used in braces planning
- Cone Beam CT: Produces a detailed 3D view for surgical planning
What to Expect During the Procedure
Before the X-ray, you may wear a lead apron and thyroid collar for protection. The dentist or technician positions the sensor or film, then takes the image while you stay still. The process is quick and painless.
Are Dental X-Rays Safe?
Dental X-rays use a very small amount of radiation comparable to the natural exposure we receive from sunlight, air travel, or building materials. Dentists take X-rays only when necessary and follow safety standards to minimize exposure.
How Often Should You Get Them?
Most people need new X-rays every 6 to 18 months, depending on age, dental history, and risk level. Children or patients with gum disease or frequent cavities may need them more often.
