X-rays are an important tool in dental care. They help your dentist look at parts of the mouth that cannot be seen during a regular examination. For example, x-rays can show your dentist
- an infection in your tooth or tooth root
- cavities between teeth or under fillings
- trouble with teeth or jaw development in children and teens who are getting their permanent teeth
- jaw problems, including infections and fractures, or problems with the way teeth will fit together
- bone loss from severe gum disease
Types of X-rays
Depending on your needs, there are different types of x-rays your dentist can take. Here are some common x-ray examinations
- Bite-wings are taken with a small film or digital sensor that you bite down on with your back teeth. These x-rays show the back teeth from the chewing surface to the bone near the gumline. These can help your dentist spot problems like cavities between your teeth or problems with the bone that could be caused by gum disease.
- Periapical x-rays help your dentist see the whole tooth from the crown to the tip of the root. This helps your dentist see what is going on below the gumline.
- Panoramic x-rays produce a long film that shows the entire jaw and all of the teeth in 1 image. It allows your dentist to view supporting or surrounding structures such as sinuses, nerves, and joints.
Dentists can also create a 3-dimensional image using a technology called cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). With CBCT, the dentist takes a series of pictures to create a 3-dimensional image. Because CBCT relies on multiple images, the radiation exposure is higher than with commonly used 2-dimensional x-rays. To help limit the amount of radiation a patient is exposed to, dentists use CBCT only when more detailed information is needed.
Are X-rays Safe?
Patients are exposed to some radiation when x-rays are taken. For that reason, dentists and physicians take them as necessary to help with treatment. They also take steps to help keep exposure to radiation as low as reasonably achievable.
The amount of radiation associated with dental x-rays is small. Here are some additional steps dentists may take to further protect patients
- Conduct an examination to determine whether x-rays are needed.
- Contact a patient?s previous dentist to request a recent set of x-rays.
- Use digital sensors to take x-rays if possible. If the office has a film system, use film associated with the lowest amount of radiation.
- Focus the x-ray beam so that it is aiming at as small an area as possible.
In the past, some dentists may have covered a patient?s throat or abdomen with a lead collar or apron, which was thought to limit exposure to x-rays. This is no longer recommended.
Research shows that the level of radiation in dental x-rays is not high enough to require this protection, and these shields can cause problems in getting a useful x-ray.
This could require a second x-ray to get a better picture.
Conclusion
Dental x-rays can be useful in helping your dentist see what is going on in spots they cannot otherwise see or examine, such as between your teeth and below your gumline. Talk to your dentist about the usefulness and safety of dental x-rays.
References
- Patient shielding during dentomaxillofacial radiography: recommendations from the American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology.JADA.?2023;?154:?826-835, e2
Article info
Publication history
Published online: February 19, 2024
Accepted: February 5, 2024
Received: February 2, 2024
