Dental x-rays play a vital role in preventative dental treatment. However, some patients might worry about how safe they are, as exposure to radiation can increase the risk of cancer. Here, we share everything you need to know about dental x-rays to help set your mind at ease.
What Are Dental X-Rays?
Dental x-rays are a form of “radiography” to take internal images of your teeth and jaw. We use dental oral x-rays to examine your tooth structure and spot issues affecting your teeth and bone. Because we can’t see what lies below and between your teeth and gums, taking dental x-rays every few years offers valuable insights into diseases and other issues that impact your oral health.
It also helps us identify issues in children’s dental care, such as the number of permanent teeth, tooth size and tooth position, to proactively offer treatment to help improve alignment, bite, and overall dental health.
Do Dental X-Rays Hurt?
Most people do not find x-rays hurt, although some people who are more sensitive can experience discomfort. What is more common is gagging if you have a strong gag reflex. Smaller mouths can also make taking dental x-rays slightly uncomfortable. However, actual pain is exceedingly rare when you’re getting dental x-rays.
Different Types Of Dental X-Rays And Their Uses
There are two main categories of dental x-rays that each include various types and uses:
Intraoral x-rays are taken inside the mouth
Extraoral x-rays are taken outside of the mouth
Today, most dental offices use technology and digital x-rays to improve your care. Your dentist will typically recommend intraoral x-rays for checkups, monitoring, and to confirm a diagnosis, and only request extraoral x-rays for specific situations and concerns.
Here is a breakdown of the various types of x-rays and their uses:
Intraoral X-Rays
Intraoral x-rays include the following:
Bitewing X-Rays: Bitewings show the upper and lower teeth and are used to detect decay between your teeth or track changes just below the gum line.
Periapical X-Rays: Periapicals show the entire tooth, from the crown to the root tip and can help detect decay, gum disease, bone loss, and abnormalities of the surrounding bone.
Occlusal X-Rays: Occlusals are used to detect issues in the floor or roof of your mouth and are commonly used when your dentist suspects you have issues with your root, have impacted wisdom teeth, or when your tooth has been fractured. However, they can also detect cysts, abscesses, and jaw fractures and be used to evaluate tooth development in children.
Extraoral X-Rays
Extraoral x-rays include:
Panoramic X-Rays: Panoramic x-rays circle your head to take a single image of the structures in your mouth, including your upper and lower teeth, jaw joints, nerves, sinuses, and supporting bone. They are used to examine existing oral health issues.
Cephalometric X-Rays: Cephalometric x-rays are taken from the side of the head to show the location of your teeth positioned in your jaw. Orthodontists use them to plan treatments required to correct bite issues.
Cone Beam CT Scan: This is a computed tomography that scans your head to capture 3D dental x-rays of your teeth, jaws, joints, nerves, and sinuses. These are more commonly used in medical settings to detect tumours or facial fractures. However, dental surgeons also use them to determine the height, width, and location of your jawbone for procedures such as dental implants.
Are Dental X-Rays Safe?
The radiation risk from a dental oral x-ray treatment is no riskier than the exposure from using things like a TV, smartphone, or computer. You might not realize you’re also exposed to mild radiation from building materials such as granite countertops or ceramic tiles, as well as naturally occurring radiation from the sun, stars, and the makeup of the planet.
Are There Risks Of Dental Oral X-Rays Treatment?
Yes, the main concern for dental x-ray treatment is exposure to radiation that increases the risk of cancer. However, that risk only exists when you are exposed to extremely large doses. That is why we limit the number of dental x-ray treatments to avoid the risks.
How Many Dental Oral X-Rays Are Too Many?
Having healthy teeth and gums only requires x-rays every one to two years or so. That’s why it’s so important to follow a strict oral health regime. If you suffer from gum disease, decay, or other oral health issues, your dentist will need to take x-rays more frequently. This ensures you receive proper treatment and track the progression of existing conditions.
Can I Refuse Dental X-Rays?
You have the right to refuse oral x-rays or request less frequent x-rays. However, it is always best to discuss your concerns with your dentist so you can make an informed decision to maintain optimum oral health.
What Can Dental X-Rays Detect?
Dental x-rays are used as part of your preventative care as well as to confirm the diagnosis of suspected oral health issues, including:
Cavities between teeth your dentist can’t see
Decay developing below existing fillings
Bone loss in your jaw
Infection
Damage to restorations, such as gaps or loosening
The position of unerupted or impacted teeth
Abscessed infection in your tooth root or between your gums and your tooth
And finally, they are used to check healing after procedures such as bone grafts or root canals.
Can A Dental X-Ray Show Cancer?
Yes, as mentioned above, dental x-rays can show signs of tumours that indicate some types of oral cancers. They also show signs of cancer in your jawbone or when existing cancers have spread. However, cancer screenings are required to detect all types of mouth cancers that don’t require x-rays. We perform cancer screenings at all your dental checkups to catch cancer early to ensure you receive proper treatment right away.
While it depends on the individual dental plan, in most cases, the average dental insurance covers dental x-rays. This is because x-rays play an essential role in preventative dental care to address issues before they progress and require more expensive treatments. However, in most cases, coverage is limited in frequency and to a specific type of dental x-rays.
As you can see, dental x-rays play a significant role in your dental care. They also present no more risk than the typical tiny amounts of radiation you are exposed to when using your cell phone and other handheld devices.
Doctor Christopher Li, DDS Dr. Chris, as he is affectionately known, is a licensed dentist with over 20 years experience. His caring personality makes even the most tentative person at ease. Patients are constantly commenting about how Dr. Chris is incredible at delivering pain-free freezing, and how he has an amazing chair-side manner. Dr. Chris loves sharing information with his patients and everyone who has teeth about how to care for their teeth, avoid tooth decay, and the treatments available to help them overcome their tooth pain or other dental issues so they can enjoy life and food to its fullest!
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Understanding Dental X-Rays
Dental X-rays are crucial diagnostic tools used by dentists to assess the health of your teeth and gums. They help in identifying issues that are not visible during a regular dental examination, such as cavities, bone loss, and impacted teeth.
There are various types of dental X-rays, including bitewing, periapical, and panoramic X-rays, each serving different purposes. For instance, bitewing X-rays help detect decay between teeth, while panoramic X-rays provide a comprehensive view of the entire mouth, including the jaw and sinuses.
Benefits of Dental X-Rays
One of the primary benefits of dental X-rays is their ability to uncover problems early, allowing for timely treatment and preventing more serious issues down the line. Early detection can lead to less invasive procedures and better overall dental health.
Moreover, dental X-rays can help track the progress of dental treatments, such as orthodontics or implants, ensuring that everything is healing correctly. This proactive approach not only saves time and money but also enhances patient satisfaction.
Types of Dental X-Rays
Dental X-rays are categorized into several types, each tailored to specific diagnostic needs. Common types include bitewing X-rays, which focus on the upper and lower teeth in a specific area, and periapical X-rays, which capture the entire tooth, from crown to root.
Additionally, panoramic X-rays provide a broad view of the mouth, allowing dentists to see the positioning of teeth and the jaw structure. Each type of X-ray serves a distinct purpose, making it essential for dentists to choose the appropriate one based on the patient's needs.
Safety of Dental X-Rays
Concerns about radiation exposure from dental X-rays are common, but it's important to note that modern X-ray technology uses minimal radiation. Dentists take precautions, such as using lead aprons, to protect patients during the procedure.
Studies have shown that the benefits of dental X-rays far outweigh the risks, especially when considering their role in preventing serious dental issues. Regular check-ups and X-rays can lead to better oral health outcomes and peace of mind for patients.
