Dental X-Rays
Dental x-rays show decay between teeth, bone loss and problems below the gumline that no visual examination can reveal.
An examination shows the surfaces of your teeth. X-rays show everything else: decay starting between two teeth that are touching, infection at the tip of a root, bone loss from gum disease, and teeth that have not come through yet.
Why they are taken
- Decay between teeth, where it is invisible until it is large
- The height and condition of the bone supporting your teeth
- Infection or abscess at the root of a tooth
- The position of teeth that have not yet erupted, including wisdom teeth
- Whether existing fillings, crowns or root canal treatment are still sound
How often
There is no single interval that suits everyone. It depends on your age, your history of decay and what your last set showed. X-rays are taken when there is a question they can answer — not to a fixed schedule.
Common questions
- Are dental x-rays safe?
- The radiation dose from dental x-rays is very small. Standard protective measures are used, and images are taken when there is a clinical reason for them. If you are pregnant or think you might be, tell us before your appointment.
More about this
- Cancerous and non-cancerous tumors.
- 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!
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.
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 is recommended for new patients. A full series is usually good for three to five years. Bite-wing X-rays (X-rays of top and bottom teeth biting together) are taken at recall (check-up) visits and are recommended once or twice a year to detect new dental problems.
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