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 Dental Radiographs
Digital radiographs are a new form of X-ray imaging that uses digital X-ray sensors to replace traditional X-ray film. Using state-of-the-art digital technology, digital radiographs produce enhanced computer images to display teeth, gums, and other oral structures and conditions while helping reduce radiation exposure. There are three kinds of digital radiography: 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
These are types of x rays used in dental imaging, and dental radiographs is the broader term for these images.
What are Dental X-Rays used for?
X-rays allow your dentist to identify problems such as:
Most of these issues may not appear during a thorough clinical examination alone. Dental x rays important because they help the dentist find early signs of dental disease and other oral health problems affecting the teeth and gums. To be proactive about your oral health, how often you need x rays depends on your overall oral health, risk factors, and dental care history rather than a fixed yearly schedule. They may happen more often if you exhibit any symptoms of oral disease or have a history of gingivitis, gum disease, tooth decay, or other oral health problems. 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. Some dental radiographic examinations may include periapical x rays to look closely at one or two teeth, especially around the roots or possible infection. Dental professionals decide when dental radiographs are needed based on each patient’s dental health. 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, which supports a personalized treatment plan. As many of these problems are undetectable to the human eye, X-rays allow us to catch issues hidden in the back teeth and below the surface before they progress any further, potentially damaging your oral and overall health. X-rays are also utilized to monitor your healing progress after a dental procedure to ensure that no complications have arisen.
A panoramic x ray is one option that captures the entire mouth in a single image and can help identify missing or extra teeth, including extra teeth, when planning care. A new patient or someone seeing a new dentist may receive this image for a broader evaluation.
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.
Risks of Dental X-Rays
Though dental X-rays involve radiation, dental x rays safe because patient exposure to ionizing radiation is very low when imaging is used appropriately. The American Dental Association (ADA), in collaboration with the FDA, has determined that the exposure is safe for both children and adults. Guidance from an expert panel and scientific affairs groups also informs these recommendations. X-ray radiation is also regulated by state laws to ensure that the proper amounts are being administered.
To further ensure your safety, practices aim to minimize patient exposure, and lead aprons may be used over your chest, abdomen, and pelvic region. In some cases, thyroid collars may not be recommended because modern radiation doses are already very low.
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, helping reduce radiation exposure even further.
If you are pregnant or think you may be, tell your dentist so the team can decide whether X-rays are necessary and use only that imaging needed.