Notice on Holiday Hours
12/23-1/5 – Both offices will be closed
12/23, 12/26, 12/27, 12/30, 1/2, and 1/3 – Emergency services will be provided for patients of record
With over a billion performed each year, dental X-rays are a common diagnostic tool used in dental exams to help determine the state of your oral health. With any kind of dental X-ray, many of us have questions such as “Are dental X-rays safe?” “What about dental X-ray radiation?” “How many should I get?” and more. We’ve put together these questions and answers to explain everything you want to know.
Your 8 Most Frequently Asked Dental X-ray Questions—Answered
At Penn Dental Medicine, dental X-rays are used for conditions that cannot be identified by only examining teeth, gums, and mouth. They are ones that can’t be seen by the eye alone. But we understand our patients can be a little nervous about the procedure. Here are the most common questions asked and our answers.
- What are dental X-rays?
- You mentioned dental X-ray radiation. Are dental X-rays safe?
- What does a dental X-ray show?
- Are there different types of dental X-rays?
- How often should I have a dental X-ray?
- Who does the dental X-ray?
- What about dental X-rays while pregnant?
- Can I refuse a dental X-ray?
Dental X-rays are images taken of your teeth and gums using a form of radiation. The procedure is painless and fast, taking only a few minutes. It is the same process you may have experienced when X-rays were taken of other parts of your body, such as the legs, lungs, or shoulders.
Only a very small amount of radiation is used to take the images, much less than you are naturally exposed to on a daily basis. In fact, you are exposed to radiation every day from your smartphone, TV, and computer. However, precautions are taken to limit the amount of radiation exposure from scatter during a dental X-ray, such as wearing a lead “bib” or vest to cover the body from the neck down. Non-leaded aprons are available now that are more comfortable and equally effective.
It can show:
- Cavities or decay beneath fillings or areas of infection.
- Bone loss.
- Impacted teeth.
- Cysts and/or tumors.
It can also be used to determine the amount of bone you have for dental implant placement and to see if you can be safely given braces or dentures. Bone grafts can be verified, as well as the status of the previously root-canaled teeth.
Yes, there are several types split between the intraoral and extraoral categories.
- Intraoral X-rays are images taken inside your mouth. They include:
- Bitewing X-rays are taken of the upper and lower teeth in one area of your mouth to show tooth decay and if anything is happening just under the gums. You’ve probably heard of and experienced bitewing X-rays the most.
- Periapical X-rays are taken of an entire tooth from the top (or crown) to the tip of the root to diagnose abnormalities such as gum disease or bone loss.
- Extraoral X-rays are images taken outside your mouth. These include:
- Panoramic X-rays are taken of your entire mouth in one image.
- Cephalometric X-rays are taken of your head from a side view to show the teeth in your jaw.
- Cone beam CT scans are done to show 3D images of your teeth, soft tissues, nerve pathways, and bone.
Dental X-rays are usually performed during your exam based on the guidelines from the American Dental Association. The type of X-rays taken changes based on the needs of the patient or the circumstances when the X-rays are needed. They could be full mouth (18) or selected examinations consisting of a few periapical X-rays and a few bitewings, again based on the need.
A dental hygienist or technician will probably take the X-ray, and your dentist will review it. Dental students may also take the X-rays as they are trained as well.
According to the guidelines from the American Dental Association, dental X-rays are safe during pregnancy if taken according to selection criteria and with appropriate patient shielding. But it is encouraged to take only emergency X-rays and leave the non-emergency X-rays to a later date when it is more comfortable to seat the patient and when the patient is ready for more invasive treatment.
As a dental X-ray is part of your overall oral health care, refusal is not encouraged. Your dentist needs to have the information available to keep your mouth healthy. Talk to your dentist or hygienist about your questions or concerns so that you can be more comfortable with what to expect from this fast, painless, and safe procedure.
Penn Dental Medicine Can Answer Any Additional Dental X-ray Questions at Your Next Cleaning and Exam
If you haven’t scheduled your next cleaning and dental exam yet, please don’t hesitate to call us at 215-898-8965. While it may not be time for a yearly dental X-ray, we’ll be happy to answer any questions and explain what to expect when we do them.
Because dental X-rays are an important part of your oral health evaluation, we include them in your free exam and cleaning. It’s all part of our commitment to providing high-quality dental care to our Philadelphia-area neighbors through our uniquely coordinated healthcare team, consisting of our faculty, students, and staff.
Before you visit us, you may also want to get a free copy of our eBook, Dental Work Without the Stress, for more information about what to expect when you come to see us. Download it today.
