Radiographs - Dental X-RAYS

Why do I need X-rays? 

Radiographic or X-ray examinations provide your dentist with an important tool to see the structures of your  mouth that can not be seen visually,  such as the roots of the teeth and the bone that surrounds them.  X-rays can locate cavities and other problems like abscesses, cysts tumors, and impacted or missing teeth.  Periodontal (gum) disease and it's severity can be determined. 

How do dental X-rays work?

When X-rays pass through your mouth during a dental exam, more X-rays are absorbed by the denser parts (such as teeth and bone) than by soft tissues (such as cheeks and gums) before striking the film. This creates an image on the radiograph. Teeth appear lighter because fewer X-rays penetrate to reach the film. Cavities and gum disease appear darker because of more X-ray penetration. The interpretation of these X-rays allows the dentist to safely and accurately detect hidden abnormalities.

How often should X-rays be taken?

How often dental X-rays (radiographs) should be taken depends on the patient's individual health needs. Your dentist will review your history, examine your mouth and then decide whether you need radiographs and what type. If you are a new patient, the dentist may recommend radiographs to determine the present status of the hidden areas of your mouth and to help analyze changes that may occur later.

The schedule for needing radiographs at recall visits varies according to your age, risk for disease and signs and symptoms. Recent films may be needed to detect new cavities, or to determine the status of gum disease or for evaluation of growth and development. Children may need X-rays more often than adults. This is because their teeth and jaws are still developing and because their teeth are more likely to be affected by tooth decay than those of adults.

My dentist has prescribed a “panoramic radiograph.” What is that and how does it differ from the X-rays I usually have?  A panoramic radiograph allows your dentist to see the entire structure of your mouth in a single image. Typically, most dental patients have “periapical” or “bitewing” radiographs taken. These require patients to hold or bite down on a piece of plastic with X-ray film in the center. Bitewings typically determine the presence of decay in between teeth, while periapical X-rays show root structure, bone levels, cysts and abscesses.  These show a highly-detailed image of a smaller area.  A panoramic radiograph  can determine for  your dentist where some of these detailed X-rays are needed.

Should I be concerned about exposure to radiation? 

In the In the above chart, you can see the relative amounts of  exposure typical diagnostic radiographs produce.   The dental films are periapical or bitewing type X-rays.  While you can see above that a full dental series of films  produce a relatively small amount of exposure, dentists are  sensitive to patients’ concerns about exposure to radiation. 

Your dentist has been trained to prescribe radiographs when  they are appropriate and to tailor radiographic schedules to each patient’s individual needs and therefore minimize the patients exposure.