Dental X-Rays: What You Need to Know


Dental X-Rays: What You Need to Know

Dental X-rays, also known as dental radiographs, are images of your teeth and jaws. dentist las vegas use X-rays to examine structures they can’t see during a routine checkup, like your jawbone, nerves, sinuses, and teeth roots.

Types of dental X-rays

There are two main types of dental X-rays: intraoral and extraoral.

  • Intraoral X-rays are taken with the X-ray film inside your mouth. They are the most common type of dental X-ray and can be used to diagnose a variety of problems, including cavities, gum disease, and impacted teeth.
  • Extraoral X-rays are taken with the X-ray film outside your mouth. They are used to get a wider view of your teeth and jaws and can be helpful in diagnosing problems such as jawbone fractures, tumors, and cysts.

Common dental X-rays

Here are some of the most common types of dental X-rays:

  • Bitewing X-rays: These X-rays show the crowns of your upper and lower teeth on one side of your mouth. They are used to detect cavities between teeth.
  • Periapical X-rays: These X-rays show one or two teeth from the crown to the root. They are used to diagnose problems with individual teeth, such as cavities, abscesses, and impacted teeth.
  • Panoramic X-rays: These X-rays show all of your teeth and jaws on one film. They are used to get a general overview of your oral health and can be helpful in diagnosing problems such as impacted teeth, jawbone fractures, and tumors.
  • Cephalometric X-rays: These X-rays show the side of your head from your skull to your chin. They are used by orthodontists to plan orthodontic treatment.
  • Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans: CBCT scans are 3D X-rays that provide a more detailed view of your teeth and jaws. They are used to diagnose and plan treatment for a variety of dental problems, such as impacted teeth, jawbone fractures, and dental implants.

Why dentists recommend dental X-rays

Dentists recommend dental X-rays for a variety of reasons:

  • To detect cavities, gum disease, and other dental problems that cannot be seen with a visual exam alone.
  • To plan and monitor dental treatment, such as fillings, crowns, and root canals.
  • To diagnose and treat jawbone fractures, tumors, and cysts.
  • To evaluate the growth and development of teeth in children and adolescents.
  • To track the progress of orthodontic treatment.

How often should I get dental X-rays?

The frequency of dental X-rays depends on your individual risk factors for dental problems. For most adults, dentists recommend bitewing X-rays once a year and periapical X-rays every two to three years. Panoramic X-rays may be recommended every five to seven years, and cephalometric X-rays may be recommended for children and adolescents who are undergoing orthodontic treatment.

Are dental X-rays safe?

Dental X-rays use very low levels of radiation. The amount of radiation exposure from a dental X-ray is much less than the amount of radiation exposure you receive from a routine chest X-ray.

There is a very small risk of cancer from dental X-rays, but the benefits of dental X-rays far outweigh the risks. Dentists take steps to minimize radiation exposure during dental X-rays, such as using lead aprons and thyroid collars to protect your body from radiation.

What to expect during a dental X-ray

Dental X-rays are taken quickly and easily. You will sit in a dental chair and a lead apron will be placed over your chest and abdomen to protect your vital organs from radiation. A thyroid collar may also be placed around your neck to protect your thyroid gland.

The X-ray machine will be positioned next to your head and the dental technician will place the X-ray film or sensor in your mouth. You will need to hold still for a few seconds while the X-ray is taken.

After the X-ray is taken, the dental technician will remove the film or sensor and develop the X-ray. Your dentist will then review the X-rays and discuss any findings with you.

If you have any questions or concerns about dental X-rays, be sure to talk to your dentist.


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