Dental X-rays

Working Principles of Dental X-Rays

Dental X-rays capture images of your mouth using electromagnetic radiation, similar to other types of X-rays taken of other parts of your body. These radiation beams pass through your soft tissues and create images of your teeth and bones.

While traditional dental X-rays are taken using film, digital dental X-rays are taken using digital sensors and a computer. Digital dental X-rays use 80% to 90% less radiation compared to traditional dental X-ray machines.

Conditions Detectable with Dental X-Rays

Dental X-rays help your dentist identify various oral health issues. These conditions can include:

• Cavities: Small areas of decay between teeth and beneath existing fillings can be seen on X-rays.
• Bone Loss: Bone loss in your jaw can be identified using dental X-rays.
• Infection Areas: X-rays are used to detect abscessed teeth (infection at the root of the tooth or between the gum and tooth) and other infection areas.
• Position of Un-erupted or Impacted Teeth: Dental X-rays can determine situations where teeth have not erupted normally or have remained impacted.
• Cysts and Tumors: X-rays can help detect cysts and some types of tumors.

Additionally, dentists use X-rays for treatment planning and to assess suitability for treatments such as dental implants, braces, or dentures. X-rays are also used to check healing after treatment. Since each individual's situation is different, it is important for your dentist to determine which type of X-ray is needed to detect or treat a specific condition.

Types of Dental X-Rays

Intraoral X-Rays

1. Bitewing X-Rays: Bitewing X-rays show the upper and lower teeth in one area of your mouth. These X-rays help your dentist detect decay between your teeth or changes just below the gum line. They usually do not show the roots of the teeth.
2. Periapical X-Rays: A periapical X-ray shows the entire tooth from the crown to the root. This type of X-ray helps your dentist detect decay, gum disease, bone loss, and other abnormalities in the tooth or surrounding bone.
3. Occlusal X-Rays: Occlusal X-rays help your dentist identify problems at the floor or roof of your mouth. These images are useful for diagnosing broken or impacted teeth or evaluating the roots of your front teeth. They can also help detect cysts, abscesses, and jaw fractures, as well as evaluate developing teeth.

Extraoral X-Rays

1. Panoramic X-Rays: A panoramic dental X-ray shows all the structures in your mouth, including your upper and lower teeth, jaw joints, nerves, sinuses, and supporting bones, in a single image. This X-ray provides your dentist with a general overview of your oral health.
2. Cephalometric X-Rays: A cephalometric X-ray shows the entire side of your head. It reveals the position of your teeth in relation to your jaw. Orthodontists (dentists who specialize in correcting bites) often use cephalometric X-rays for treatment planning.
3. Cone Beam CT Scan: Dentists use computerized tomography (CT) scans to capture a 3D image of your teeth, jaws, joints, nerves, and sinuses. These X-rays can also detect tumors or facial fractures. Surgeons often use dental CT scans to check the height, width, and position of your jawbone before placing dental implants.

Safety of Dental X-Rays

Dental X-rays are generally safe, and the radiation risk is very low. The amount of radiation from a complete set of dental X-rays is comparable to the amount of radiation we are exposed to daily from other sources. Examples of background radiation exposure include devices like televisions, smartphones, and computers, as well as building materials, the sun, and environmental sources.

However, excessively high doses of dental X-rays can be harmful and may increase your risk of cancer. Therefore, it is important to avoid unnecessary frequent X-rays. Your healthcare provider can help you weigh the risks and benefits of dental X-rays. In any case, dental X-rays are an important tool for diagnosing or treating health issues, and the risks are minimal.

Most people with healthy teeth and gums are advised to get dental X-rays every six to 18 months. However, if you have gum disease, recurring cavities, or other oral health issues, you may need X-rays more frequently. In such cases, it is important to follow your dentist's recommendations and establish a suitable X-ray schedule based on your needs. In any case, getting dental X-rays is an important tool for early diagnosis and treatment of potential health issues.

Your Right to Refuse Dental X-Rays

You have the right to refuse dental X-rays, but many dentists indicate that they do not provide services without these X-rays. Therefore, it is important to consider this before making your decision.

Concerns and Discussion About Radiation

If you have concerns about radiation exposure, you can discuss this with your dentist. By evaluating the advantages and disadvantages of dental X-rays, you can make a decision that is appropriate for you.

Ability of Dental X-Rays to Detect Cancer

Dental X-rays can detect some types of oral cancer, especially cancer that starts in or spreads to your jaw. However, they are not entirely reliable in detecting all types of oral cancer. Therefore, routine oral cancer screenings are important.

Pregnancy and Dental X-Rays

In general, it is considered safe to get dental X-rays during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, many dentists prefer to avoid taking X-rays during pregnancy if it is not necessary. Nonetheless, the American Dental Association and the American Pregnancy Association state that dental X-rays pose minimal or no risk to the fetus.