Dental radiographs (x-rays) are essential, preventative, diagnostic tools that provide valuable information not visible during a regular dental exam.  Dentists and dental hygienists use this information to safely and accurately detect hidden dental abnormalities and complete an accurate treatment plan.  Without x-rays, problem areas may go undetected.

Dental x-rays may reveal:

• Abscesses or cysts.
• Bone loss.
• Cancerous and non-cancerous tumors.
• Decay between the teeth.
• Developmental abnormalities.
• Poor tooth and root positions.
• Problems inside a tooth or below the gum line.

Detecting and treating dental problems at an early stage can save you time, money, unnecessary discomfort, and your teeth!

Are dental x-rays safe?

We are all exposed to natural radiation in our environment.  The amount of radiation exposure from a full mouth series of x-rays is equal to the amount a person receives in a single day from natural sources.

Dental x-rays produce a low level of radiation and are considered safe.  Dentists take necessary precautions to limit the patient’s exposure to radiation when taking dental x-rays.  These precautions include using lead apron shields to protect the body and using modern, fast film that cuts down the exposure time of each x-ray.

What kind of dental x-rays are usually taken and why?

A full mouth series of dental x-rays are x-rays taken of the individual teeth and roots.  It also includes bite-wing x-rays.  A full mouth series can show problems with the bone around the teeth, problems with the nerve of a tooth, tooth fractures, decay, abscesses, etc.  Bite-wing x-rays are taken of the top and bottom back teeth biting together.  These x-rays look for decay between the teeth and thelevel of the bite.  A panoramic x-ray (pano) is a single x-ray that shows all the teeth, jaw bones, jaw joints, and maxillary sinuses at the same time.  A pano is used to check for tumors or abnormalities in the jaw bones, impacted wisdom teeth, how much bone is left in the jaw, the condition of the jaw joints, etc.

How often should dental x-rays be taken?

The need for dental x-rays depends on each patient’s individual dental health needs.  Your dentist and dental hygienist will recommend necessary x-rays based on the review of your medical and dental history, dental exam, signs and symptoms, age consideration, and risk for disease.

A full mouth series of dental x-rays and a panoramic x-ray are recommended for new patients.  A full mouth series and a panoramic x-ray are usually good for three.  Bite-wing x-rays are taken at recall (check-up) visits and are recommended once a year to detect new dental problems.