When you take an x-ray, you are not really getting a picture of your insides; rather, you are getting a shadow of your insides.

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What are dental x-rays?

Dental x-rays are used to make quick and painless images of your teeth and jaws. X-rays are invisible beams of energy, a form of radiation. The images are displayed on film or on the computer monitor (digital imaging) after the x-rays pass through an area of the body and are absorbed differently depending on the density of the structures. Dense body parts such as bones and teeth absorb much of the x-rays and will show up as white areas on the resulting image, while less dense body parts such as nerves and muscles absorb less, showing up as shades of gray.

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When should dental x-rays be obtained?

Dental x-rays are used to diagnose diseases affecting the teeth and the bones since the inside of these structures is not seen when dentists look in your mouth. They provide important information to help plan the appropriate dental treatment.

They may be used to identify:

• Number, size, and position of the teeth

• Initial or advanced dental caries (a.k.a. tooth decay)

• Bone loss caused by periodontal disease (a.k.a. gum disease)

• Tooth infection

• Jaw fractures

• Problems of occlusion

• Jaw lesions

• Other teeth and bone abnormalities

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How often should dental x-rays be taken?

The type and frequency of dental x-rays depends on the patient’s needs which are determined based on the clinical exam and risk factors. If you are a new patient, dental x-rays may be requested to determine your oral health and to have a baseline to identify changes that may occur later.

How often dental x-rays should be taken depends on:

• Age and stage of development

• Present oral health and clinical findings

• Risk for dental caries and periodontal disease

• If you have any signs and/or symptoms of oral disease

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Dental X-Rays In Children

There is very low risk from a single dental x-ray image. However, some studies shows a slight increase in cancer risk, particularly in children. Therefore, it is important to keep the radiation exposure as low as possible.

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Dental X-Rays And Pregnancy

Make sure to tell your dentist if you are pregnant. During your pregnancy, x-rays may be needed as part of your treatment plan for a dental disease. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, dental care, including dental x-rays, are safe during pregnancy. Use of the leaded apron and thyroid collar will protect you and your fetus from radiation exposure. Also, dental X-rays do not need to be delayed if you are trying to become pregnant or are breastfeeding.