Your dentist is trained to take x-rays because they can reveal problems that are hidden below the surfaces of your teeth and gums. A routine dental exam can tell you a lot, but it can’t tell you everything. Dental x-rays, dental radiographs, cavities, tooth roots and jawbone provide your dentist with additional information that may alter a diagnosis or treatment plan. The American Dental Association recommends that radiographs be taken when they are clinically justified, rather than on a fixed schedule.
If you ever wonder why you need an X-ray when your teeth don’t hurt, you’re asking a reasonable question. Tooth decay, loss of bone, infections, impacted teeth, and changes around tooth roots can develop without obvious signs. Understanding what the images are can go a long way toward demystifying the process.
What is a dental x-ray?
What are dental X-rays? Dental X-rays are pictures of the structures inside your mouth, created with a small dose of ionising radiation. Unlike a normal visual exam, radiographs give a dentist a view of areas below the visible surface of the tooth including the roots, supporting bone and spaces between teeth.
Think of a dental check-up like looking at a house from the outside. An X-ray gives a different view that can show what’s happening behind the walls. Together, the clinical examination and diagnostic imaging give your dentist more information to help guide care decisions.
Regular dental checkups are handy not only when you have tooth pain or some other obvious problem. Knowing when to see the dentist and how often to schedule an appointment can help you maintain good oral health and spot potential problems before they become serious.
Why do they take dental x-rays
Dentists take X-rays when they need more information to help diagnose a problem or plan treatment. They may show cavities between teeth, tooth decay, impacted teeth, bone loss, infections and abnormalities that cannot be seen during a normal examination.
It’s not just about creating another image for your dental file. A good radiograph should answer a clinical question. The present ADA guidance stresses looking at the patient first and considering their history, symptoms, disease risk, and available prior images before ordering new imaging.
Dental radiographs can reveal:
Dental radiographs can reveal a number of conditions that might not be visible during a visual exam. These include the cavities between the teeth, decay under restorations, bone loss, impacted teeth, abscesses, cysts and some jaw abnormalities. They can also help dentists to evaluate the development of teeth in children.
X-rays are particularly useful if a patient is in pain, but with no obvious visible cause. An image might help locate an infection around a root or other structural problem. But X-rays cannot diagnose all oral conditions. Dentists use the images along with an exam and patient history.
How do dental x-rays operate?
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Dental X-rays are images made of the teeth and bones when a controlled beam of radiation is passed through the mouth. Different tissues respond in different ways to radiation and structures of different density will be imaged differently. Today, modern dental offices often use digital sensors instead of film.
Digital imaging allows dentists to view images quickly and to magnify specific areas when necessary. What is important is that, compared with these, the radiation dose from dental X-rays is small. Nevertheless, the principle that dentists only take images that will give useful diagnostic information is still followed.
X-ray types
Different clinical questions are answered by dental x-rays. Bitewing X-rays are used to see the crowns of the upper and lower teeth at the same time to find decay between the teeth. Periapical X-rays show a complete tooth from crown to root and the bone around it.
A panoramic x-ray provides a wide view of the teeth and jaws. A cone-beam CT scan, or CBCT, is useful in selected situations to create three-dimensional images. It’s not just a matter of routine; the right kind depends on what your dentist needs to see.
Where do I get dental X-rays?
When you get a dental X-ray, you'll usually sit in a dental chair while a technician or dental professional places a sensor or imaging device in your mouth. For some images you need to bite gently on a holder. You will be asked to remain still while the picture is taken.
The process is usually fast and does not involve needles. Some patients find that the sensor can be uncomfortable or gaggy. If that happens, let the dental professional know. They can tell you where to position yourself and make sure you are comfortable as they take the required radiographic images.
Are dental X-rays safe?
Dental X-rays employ very low levels of radiation. Safety practices and modern imaging technology are designed to reduce exposure. The ADA recommends that exposure be as low as reasonably achievable and radiographs be taken when clinically justified.
Safety is not about pretending there is no risk from radiation. Instead, dentists consider the minimal exposure versus the anticipated benefit of the diagnostic information. The FDA and the ADA recommend taking dental radiographs when necessary for diagnosis or treatment and reducing unnecessary imaging.
Dangers of dental x-rays
The main concern with X-rays is radiation exposure. The doses from dental ionising radiation are low, but health care professionals do not use ionising radiation without considering whether an image is warranted. This is why current guidance discourages routine or convenience imaging without a clinical reason.
Your dentist should consider your age, medical and dental history, symptoms, risk of disease, and previous images. Children and adolescents require special attention. Developing tissues are more sensitive to radiation. If you are pregnant or think you might be pregnant, inform your dental team before the imaging.
For x-rays when you want
If your dentist suspects tooth decay, infection, bone loss, an impacted tooth or another problem that can't be adequately evaluated through examination alone, he or she may take dental X-rays. X-rays can also be useful in planning procedures like implants, root canals, orthodontic treatment or extractions.
Not every appointment requires an X-ray. The ADA also notes that the frequency of imaging depends on variables such as oral health, age, disease risk and signs or symptoms. Previous usable images may sometimes eliminate the need for unnecessary repeat imaging.
How often can I get dental x-rays?
There is no one X-ray schedule that is right for everybody. Interval should be based on cavity risk, gum health, age, symptoms, treatment history and past radiographs If you have recurrent decay, you may need imaging more often than if you have stable oral health.
So it’s appropriate to ask “Do I need X-rays today?” Your dentist will be able to tell you what the image is supposed to be showing and what effect the result could have on your care. Current ADA guidance is that imaging should be patient specific, not repeated automatically.
Getting Ready for Dental X-rays
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Most dental X-rays require little or no special preparation. Tell your dentist if you are pregnant or may be pregnant, if you have had recent dental treatment, if you have any symptoms and if you have had previous X-rays. If you have recently changed dentists ask if your previous images can be transferred to the new practice.
You may be asked to remove any metal objects that could interfere with the imaging. Follow the advice of the dental team and let them know if you have difficulty keeping the sensor in a comfortable position. You don't need to do anything special to make your teeth look cleaner for an x-ray.
Regular dental visits are an important part of keeping your oral health good, even if your teeth and gums look healthy. Your dentist can look for early signs of cavities, gum problems and other oral health concerns at these appointments. If you’re getting ready for your next appointment, What Happens During a Regular Dental Checkup? The Complete Guide will help you know what to expect and why each part of the examination is important
Dental X-Ray Post
After the images are taken, your dentist will review them in conjunction with your clinical exam and dental history. Digital images can be ready almost instantly. If the X-rays show decay, infection, bone changes, impacted teeth or some other concern your dentist can explain what the finding means.
A normal picture is also useful because it gives information about the structures being examined. Remember, an X-ray is just one piece of the diagnostic puzzle. Your dentist looks at the image along with your symptoms, examination findings, risk factors and past records.
The Bottom Line
So why get x-rays at the dentist? They use them to look at parts of your teeth, roots, supporting bone and jaw that are not fully visible during a routine dental exam. They can help detect cavities, infections, bone loss, impacted teeth and other conditions, while assisting in treatment planning.
But the important thing is you don’t need X-rays at every dental visit. Today’s ADA guidance focuses on imaging specific to the patient based on clinical findings, history, age, disease risk, symptoms, and the diagnostic information needed. If you are not sure why an X-ray has been recommended, ask your dentist what question the picture will help answer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do dentists take X-rays when my teeth don't hurt?
Dental problems can sometimes develop without any obvious signs. X-rays can identify problems such as decay between teeth, bone loss, impacted teeth or infection that may not be visible during a normal examination.
Do I have to get X-rays taken at every visit?
Nope. The ADA recommends that X-rays be taken when they will provide needed diagnostic information. Your dentist will consider your oral health, age, disease risk, symptoms, history and previous images.
Yes, dental X-rays can find cavities.
Yeah. Dental X-rays can also help find cavities, especially decay between teeth or in areas that are difficult to see during a clinical exam.
But the X-ray doesn’t hurt itself. Some patients may find it uncomfortable to bite on the image sensor or may experience a temporary gagging sensation. The process of imaging is generally fast.
Are Dental X-Rays Safe?
Dental x-rays are generally safe. The amount of radiation that is used in a dental x-ray is very low and the benefits of detecting problems early far outweigh the risks.
The level of radiation used for dental X-rays is very small. Current ADA guidance recommends using them when appropriate clinically and limiting unnecessary exposure.
Can I get a dental X-ray while pregnant?
Inform your dentist if you are or may be pregnant. Current recommendations emphasise both the clinical indication for imaging and the avoidance of unnecessary exposure. Dental professionals are able to take proper precautions when imaging is medically necessary.
What can dental x-rays show dentists that they can't see?
They can show structures under the visible surfaces, including tooth roots, bone, areas between teeth, impacted teeth and some infections. They can also assist in planning treatment.
How often do you need dental X-rays?
One size does not fit all. Frequency is based on oral health, age, risk of disease, symptoms, and prior imaging.
Sources & References
American Dental Association (ADA) -current radiography guidance and patient selection (American Dental Association)
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) - dental radiography and CBCT safety guidance. (U.S. Food and Drug Administration)
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)- general X-ray safety and what patients can expect during imaging.
Image Credits:
Image 2: Photo by DC Studio on Magnific
Image 3: Photo by DC Studio on Magnific
Medical Disclaimer
Written by Henry Don
Founder of SmileScribeHub, where I research and write clear, accessible, and evidence-informed educational content about dental and oral health.My articles are researched using reputable dental, medical, academic, and public-health sources. I am not a dentist or licensed healthcare professional, and my content is provided for general educational purpose.