Dentists use x-rays to detect dental problems such as cavities, gum (periodontal) disease, impacted teeth and other dental problems that may not be seen during an oral examination. The x-rays show images of the teeth and bones and help detect problems before they become serious or even before symptoms appear to the patient.
If you are a new patient, your Sunnyvale dentist may recommend X-rays to determine the present status of your oral health and have a baseline to help identify changes that may occur later. If a previous dentist has any radiographs of you, your new dentist may ask you for copies of them. Ask both dentists to help you with forwarding your X-rays.
Common Types of X-rays
There are several types of dental x-rays, each with a different purpose. Among the most common are bitewing, periapical, full mouth series, and panoramic.
- Bitewing x-rays: can detect decay between teeth, view bone levels around the teeth, and are generally taken once a year. They may be taken less often if you have a history of good oral health
- Periapical x-rays: show the roots of the teeth and the surrounding bone. They typically show more of the tooth and jawbone than the bitewing x-ray and can help diagnose specific problems, such as abscesses near the root of the tooth.
- Full mouth x-rays: a group of periapical and bitewing x-rays showing all of the teeth and supporting bone. These help find complex dental problems in patients with a history of extensive dental treatment We schedule these every 3-5 years depending on your dental health and history.
- Panoramic x-rays: a 2-dimensional x-ray that gives us a big picture view of the bones and sinuses that support your teeth. We use these x-rays to catch conditions that the bitewing and periapical might miss. This gives us the ability to diagnose and treat conditions early and more accurately.
- Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT): the most cutting-edge type of x-ray available on the dental market. The CBCT gives us a 3-D view of your teeth. Using these, we can assess critical information such as proximity to nerves and sinuses. The gold standard for diagnosis before complex procedures such as implants and molar endodontics!
Are X-Rays Safe?
Dental X-ray exams are safe; however, they do require very low levels of radiation exposure. This makes the risk of potentially harmful effects very small. Dental x-ray tools and techniques are designed to limit the body’s exposure to radiation and every precaution is taken to ensure that radiation exposure is As Low As Reasonable Achievable (the ALARA principle). A leaded apron and/or a leaded thyroid collar may be used to shield the abdomen and thyroid.
Information Sources: https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/x/x-rays and Aetna’s “Dental X-Rays” Patient Information
