Dental X-rays, also known as dental radiographs, are images of your teeth that allow your dentist to evaluate your oral health. Dentists take X-rays to help diagnose any dental problems that may not be visible to the naked eye.
How Do Dental X-Rays Work?
A dental X-ray works by emitting low levels of electromagnetic radiation through the mouth to create an X-ray image, known as a radiograph. On this X-ray image, the teeth and bones absorb more of the ray than the gums and soft tissues, so the teeth appear lighter, while areas of tooth decay and infection look darker since they do not absorb as much of the radiation.
Digital Radiographs
Digital radiographs are a new form of X-ray imaging that uses digital X-ray sensors to replace traditional X-ray film, and many dentists now rely on these tools in modern dentistry. Using state-of-the-art technology, digital radiographs produce enhanced computer images to display teeth, gums, and other oral structures and conditions. These images also support diagnosis and treatment planning. Common types of dental X-rays in digital imaging include the direct method, the indirect method, and semi-indirect method.
Direct Method: Uses an electronic sensor placed in the mouth to record images
Indirect Method: Uses an X-ray film scanner to view traditional dental X-rays as digital images
Semi-Indirect Method: Combines a sensor and scanner to convert dental X-rays into digital film
For more complex cases, cone beam computed tomography is a specialized cone beam scan that creates detailed 3D images and may involve more radiation than standard digital X-rays.
What are Dental X-Rays used for in Oral Health?
X-rays help your dentist find hidden problems such as:
Most of these issues are almost impossible to diagnose during a typical clinical examination, so imaging is used alongside a thorough clinical examination. To be proactive about your oral health, most dentists perform dental X-rays once a year, but how often a patient may need x rays depends on dental health, overall oral health, existing oral health problems, and risk of dental disease. They may happen more often if you exhibit any symptoms of oral disease or have a history of gingivitis, gum disease, or tooth decay. You may also get a dental X-ray if you have had trauma to your teeth to assess if there is any damage to the roots or nerves. A panoramic x ray can capture the entire mouth in one image and may be useful for a new patient or someone seeing a new dentist in a dentist’s office setting. Children and teenagers may need dental X-rays more often than adults since their teeth and jaw are still developing.
Benefits of Dental X-Rays
Dental X-rays enable us to detect a myriad of dental problems early on, such as cavities, bone loss, tooth decay and more, helping guide timely treatment. As many of these problems are undetectable to the human eye, X-rays allow us to catch these issues early before they progress any further, potentially affecting your overall oral health and dental care outcomes. X-rays are also utilized to monitor your healing progress after a dental procedure to ensure that no complications have arisen.
Not only are dental complications detected through X-rays, but wisdom teeth development is also recorded by these radiographs. Tracking wisdom teeth growth is essential to determine the best method and timing for extraction, and a panoramic X-ray or panoramic film is often used to view tooth position.
Risks of Dental X-Rays
Though dental X-rays involve radiation, dental X-rays are safe because the exposure levels are so minimal that the American Dental Association (ADA), in collaboration with the FDA, has determined they are safe for both children and adults. These dental radiographic examinations involve low x ray exposure when used appropriately, and state laws regulate the proper amounts being administered for each patient.
To further ensure your safety during dental care, lead aprons are placed over your chest, abdomen, and pelvic region to protect the patient from unnecessary radiation exposure to vital organs. No special preparation is usually needed other than removing metal objects beforehand.
Now, there are also digital radiography options that are more efficient, cost-effective and safer than traditional X-rays. With digital X-rays, you are exposed to 80% less radiation than the traditional kind, significantly lowering the risks of X-rays even more.
Dental X-rays are generally avoided for pregnant women unless they are necessary, and precautions such as a lead apron are used when imaging cannot wait, as exposure to any kind of radiation after conception could result in miscarriage or birth defects.