You’re in the dental chair for your routine checkup, and the hygienist asks you to bite down while positioning a small plastic tab in your mouth. Before you know it, the X-ray machine hums quietly, and just like that, a snapshot of your teeth is taken. But have you ever wondered why dentists take X-rays during a checkup, especially if your mouth feels just fine? Keep reading to learn why they are important and necessary.
What Do Dental X-Rays Show?
Your dentist can spot a lot with the naked eye during a visual exam, but there’s a whole world of activity happening beneath the surface. X-rays allow them to see things like:
- Tooth decay between teeth (where toothbrushes can’t reach).
- Bone loss from gum disease.
- Abscesses or infections at the root of a tooth.
- Impacted teeth (like wisdom teeth stuck below the gumline).
- Cysts, tumors, or abnormal growths.
- Tooth and jaw development in children and teens.
In short, X-rays help your dentist catch problems early, often before you feel pain or notice symptoms.
Are Dental X-Rays Safe?
Contrary to rumors that X-rays cause cancer, they are not harmful. Dental X-rays involve very low levels of radiation, and modern techniques use digital imaging to reduce exposure even further. Dentists also take precautions, such as using lead aprons and limiting the number of X-rays taken, to keep you safe.
In fact, the risk of skipping an X-ray and missing a serious dental issue far outweighs the minimal risk of the procedure itself!
How Often Should You Get Dental X-Rays?
It depends on your individual needs. If you have a history of frequent cavities, gum disease, or other oral health issues, your dentist will likely recommend X-rays more frequently, about every 6 months or so. If your mouth is healthy and stable, you might only need them once a year. Children and teens may get X-rays more regularly to monitor how their teeth and jaws are developing.
Your dentist will base the timing on your age, oral health history, risk factors, and current symptoms.
What are the Different Types of Dental X-Rays?
Not all dental X-rays are the same. Here are a few you might encounter:
- Bitewing X-rays: This X-ray shows the upper and lower back teeth on one side. They are useful for spotting decay and changes in bone.
- Periapical X-rays: This type focuses on one or two teeth from crown to root.
- Panoramic X-rays: Like its name implies, this X-ray captures the entire mouth in one image, ideal for wisdom teeth, jaw issues, or planning treatments like implants or braces.
Dental X-rays aren’t just routine; they’re essential. They give your dentist a clear view of what’s happening below the surface, allowing them to catch issues early and keep your mouth healthy for the long haul. So next time you hear the X-ray machine beep, just grin, because those images are helping protect your smile for years to come.
About the Practice
At Brown & Nawrocki Restorative and Cosmetic Dentistry, it’s important to our dentists and team members to stay at the forefront of dental technology for improved diagnosis, treatment planning, and patient results. That’s why we use the latest machinery like digital dental X-rays and VELscope, the world’s top oral cancer examination device, for a better patient experience. To schedule your appointment, visit our website or call our Ormond Beach office at (386) 677-1046.