Dental X-rays

Dental X-rays (radiographs) are images of your

teeth that your dentist uses to evaluate your
oral health. These X-rays are used with low
levels of radiation to capture images of the
interior of your teeth and gums. This can help
your dentist to identify problems, like cavities,
tooth decay, and impacted teeth.
 Dentists use X-rays to help
diagnose damage and disease
that is not visible during a
clinical dental examination.
How often X-rays, or
radiographs, should be taken
depends on specific factors
such as an individual’s current
oral health, age, risk for
disease and any signs or
symptoms of oral disease. 
 What Do Dental X-Rays show?

Dental X-rays can show:

• Small areas of decay between teeth
• Decay beneath fillings
• Cysts and other types of tumors
• Bone loss in the jaw due to periodontal disease
• The position of teeth to determine what kind of
tooth implant, braces, or dentures are required
• Abscesses
 Types of X-rays

There are several types of dental X-rays, which record slightly

different views of your mouth. The most common are intraoral X-
rays, such as:
• Bitewing. This technique involves biting down on a special piece of paper so that
your dentist can see how well the crowns of your teeth match up. This is
commonly used to check for cavities between teeth (interdental).
• Occlusal. This X-ray is done when your jaw is closed to see how your upper and
bottom teeth line up. It can also detect anatomical abnormalities with the floor of
the mouth or the palate.
• Occlusal. This technique captures all of your teeth in one shot.
• Panoramic. For this type of X-ray, the machine rotates around the head. Your
dentist may use this technique to check your wisdom teeth, plan for implanted
dental devices, or investigate jaw problems.
• Periapical. This technique focuses on two complete teeth from root to crown.
 Factors affecting how often you get dental X-rays may include:

• your age
• your current oral health
• any symptoms of oral disease
• a history of gum disease (gingivitis) or tooth
decay
A radiographic image is formed by a controlled burst of X-ray radiation
which penetrates oral structures at different levels, depending on
varying anatomical densities, before striking the film or sensor. Teeth
appear lighter because less radiation penetrates them to reach the
film. Dental caries, infections and other changes in the bone density,
and the periodontal ligament, appear darker because X-rays readily
penetrate these less dense structures. Dental restorations (fillings,
crowns) may appear lighter or darker, depending on the density of the
material.

The dosage of X-ray radiation received by a dental patient is typically

small.