X-Rays

Dental X-rays are pictures of the teeth, bones and surrounding soft tissues to screen for and help identify problems with the teeth, mouth and jaw.  X-ray pictures can show cavities, hidden dental structures (such as wisdom teeth), and bone loss that cannot be seen during a visual examination.  Dental x-rays can be read immediately, so results are available a few minutes afterwards.  All our X-rays are digital and produce a very low dosage of radiation.

The following types of dental X-rays are commonly used:

Bitewing X-rays

These show the upper and lower back teeth in a single view.  They are used to detect decay between the teeth and to show how well the upper and lower teeth line up.  They also show bone loss that usually indicates the presence of severe gum disease or a dental infection.

Periapical X-rays

These show the entire tooth, from the exposed crown to the end of the root and the bones that support the tooth.  These X-rays are used to detect dental problems below the gum line or in the jaw, including the presence of impacted teeth.

Occlusal X-rays

These show the roof or floor of the mouth and are used to detect the presence of extra teeth, teeth that have not yet broken through the gums, jaw fractures, a cleft in the roof of the mouth, cysts, abscesses or growth.  These may also be used to locate foreign objects.

Panoramic X-rays

These X-rays provide a broad view of the jaws, teeth, sinuses, nasal area and temporomandibular (jaw) joints.  These X-rays do not show the details needed to detect cavities.  These X-rays reveal problems such as impacted teeth, bone abnormalities, cysts, solid growths, infections and fractures.

Why do we take x-rays?

Dental X-rays are usually taken to detect problems in the mouth such as tooth decay, damage to the bones supporting the teeth and dental injuries (such as broken tooth roots).  Dental X-rays are often taken to detect these problems early, before any symptoms are experienced.  They also detect teeth that are abnormally placed or don’t break through the gums properly.  Teeth that are too crowded to break through the gums are called impacted.  X-rays detect cysts, solid growth, or abscesses caused by certain dental problems, they evaluate the presence and location of permanent teeth growing in the jaw in children who still have the primary (or baby) teeth. 

X-rays assist the dentist to plan treatment for large or extensive cavities, root canal surgery, placement of dental implants and difficult tooth removals, and lastly assist in the planning of treatment that is not properly aligned (orthodontic treatment).

Without X-rays, the dentist could miss the early stages of decay between teeth.

How to prepare for your X-ray

Before the X-ray (if you are a lady) please inform your dentist if you might be pregnant.  If you are pregnant, routine dental X-rays may be postponed.  No other special preparations are needed before having a dental X-ray.

How is it done?

Dental X-rays are taken in either the dentist’s surgery or in the X-ray office.  The X-ray pictures are interpreted by your dentist and you will be able to view these with your dentist almost immediately.  X-rays take only a few minutes and are not painful.