Do you also have doubts and questions about the safety from dental X-Rays? Then don’t worry. We are here to help you and guide you through the frequently asked questions on dental x-rays. Dental X-Rays can be considered as one of the pillars for the contemporary dentistry. They allow your dentist to see or detect any upcoming issues, way before they create a problem for you. These problems are not observed during the regular check-ups.
Dental X-Rays are considered extremely safe for dental patients. Although X-Rays do emit a small amount of radiation, but that is comparably very low to the radiations from your mobile phones.
Have you ever doubted that dental X-rays are safe? You’re not by yourself. It is also among the most frequently asked questions that patients pose when visiting a dental clinic. One of the pillars of contemporary dentistry is dental X-rays, or X-rays of the teeth. They enable the dentists to look beyond your smile and see what is wrong with your teeth that cannot be observed in a regular check-up. X-rays can help you see the full picture of your oral health: detecting cavities in-between teeth as well as early signs of gum disease, bone loss, or underlying infections.
Some of the conditions would not be noticed at all without dental radiology until they become more severe or painful. That is the reason why dentists are prescribing X-rays as a preventive measure; it is not only diagnostic, it is also life-saving in certain circumstances, as it can help locate cysts or tumors, or affected teeth early.
We are AZ Dentistry, and we understand the importance of your safety. This is the reason why we only use the newest dental X-ray equipment that has the least amount of radiation and produces quicker and sharper pictures. This will provide a safe and comfortable experience in addition to our stringent safety standards. In our contemporary style, you can be assured that your dental treatment is not only effective, but it also considers your health at every stage of the treatment process.
What Are Dental X-Rays and Why Are They Needed?
Dental X-Rays are the detailed images of inside your mouth like teeth, gums, and jawbone taken by specialized imaging equipment used by your dentist to observe the oral condition of your mouth. They allow the dentist to visualize the conditions which are not observed during a regular check-up. They help to find the the problems such as cavities between the teeth, any kind of infection, bone loss, or any other impacted teeth. They also help dentists to track the development in kids, and help in planning treatments like implants or braces.
Types of Dental X-Rays
There are two main types of dental x-rays – intraoral(film inside the mouth), and extraoral(film outside the mouth). Both types are used in different categories for different diagnostic purposes. They are further divided into sub categories. Let’s discuss them in brief to get an idea which type is used when.
- Intraoral X-Rays – These are the x-rays that are taken by placing the film or sensor inside the mouth of the patient to get a detailed of an individual teeth and its surrounding structures. The intraoral x-rays are further divided into 3 types which are:-
- Bitewing:- This is used to see the crowns of upper and lower teeth in one area, to detect any kind of decay between the teeth, and the bone density changes.
- Periapical(IOPA):- This is used to identify the problems in the root and its surrounding bone. It captures the entire tooth structure from crown to the end of the root and help dentists to identify the condition and problems.
- Occlusal:- It is used to see the jaw fractures and the impacted teeth, by showing all the upper and lower arch teeth at once. The dentist can analyze the development and the placements of the teeth and guide the patient accordingly.
2. Extraoral X-Rays – These are the x-rays in which the film or the sensor is placed outside of the mouth and are used to view broader details of jaws and facial structures.
These are further classified into3 sub categories which are:-
- Panoramic:- It provides a single, wide view of all the teeth, jaws, and surrounding structures. This helps the dentists to check the impacted wisdom teeth, diagnose any kind of jaw problems, and for planning the future treatments.
- Cephalometric:- It is used specially by orthodontists to evaluate the relation between jaw and other facial bones, as it provides a detailed side view of the entire face.
- Cone-beam Computed Tomography(CBCT):- It is a more advanced type of x-rays in which a detailed 3D images are taken for teeth, soft tissues, nerves, and bones.
Why Dental X-Rays Are Important
Dental X-Rays are an important and crucial tool in contemporary dentistry. They help the dentist to diagnose any problem which is not visible during the normal regular checkups. They help to identify any kind of gum disease, cavity, bone loss, any infection, and any kind of impacted teeth. The early detection of these issues helps in more effective and timely treatments, which can save a lot of money, time and discomforts. Some of the problems that can be revealed through dental x-rays are:-
- Cavities:- They can identify any kind of decay in between the teeth, or under the fillings.
- Gum disease:- Any kind of bone loss caused due to the gum diseases.
- Infections and tumors:- Root infections, cysts, tumors, or any kind of abnormalities growing can be identified at early stage.
- Impacted teeth:- It helps in identifying the position of teeth, wisdom teeth and determine if they are impacted or not.
- Treatment planning:- X-rays provide information that plays a vital role in creating an accurate treatment plan for procedures like root canals or implants.
Are Dental X-Rays Safe?
Dental X-rays are considered safe for patients. Although X-rays emit a small amount of radiation, that amount is comparable to the amount of radiation you might absorb from certain building materials or your cell phone.
To help ensure that your dental X-rays are safe, your dentist will cover you with a lead apron while giving you the X-ray. In addition, your dentist will likely not give you an X-ray every time you come into the office. Most people only need X-rays once per year.
Thanks to the advancement in dental x-rays machine technology, the dental x-rays are even more safe, fast, and precise. With these advancements, they are considered safe for all age groups including children, adults and even senior citizens.
How Many Dental X-Rays Are Safe in a Month?
There is no such fix number to mention for the monthly x-rays to be taken. However, the dentists follow the “As Low As Reasonably Achievable”(ALARA) principle, according to which x-rays should be taken only when medically needed. The frequency of dental x-rays depends on a number of factors for each patient like:-
- Patients oral health:- A patient with healthy oral condition will need less number of x-rays in 6-18 months time period, while a person with frequent cavities or gum disease will require more number of x-rays in the same time period.
- Age of patient:- The patient also determines how frequently x-rays are required like in children more frequent x-rays are required specially during the tooth loss or crowding, since new teeth will be erupting.
- Emergency or treatment dependency:- In emergency situations, a larger number of X-rays will be required in a very short period of time. Similarly, if the patient is going through any specific treatment, then the frequency of dental X-rays required can be higher for a small time period to see the condition and advancements in treatment.
Each patient has different requirements and conditions, so the dentists only recommend dental x-rays when they are required for the patient, rather than following a one-size-fits-all approach
Benefits of Dental X-Rays in Modern Dentistry
By now, we have understood the importance of dental X-rays in dentistry. With modern dental radiology machines, diagnosis and treatments have become more accurate. The imaging is faster, clearer, and safer than ever before, thus resulting in the timely detection of hidden issues like cavities, cysts, bone loss, and any kind of infection growing underneath.
Some of the major benefits can be counted as:-
- Early detection of dental problems – With the advanced dental radiology images, dental issues can be detected at an early stage, which otherwise would not have been visible to the naked eye.
- Precise diagnosis and treatment plan – With detailed radiographic images, dentists can plan the treatment which are tailored for that specific problem only and not a generic treatment plan.
- Monitoring oral health – Dental X-rays help in keeping track of dental health, issues, and the progress in ongoing treatments. If needed, observing the progress, the dentist can adjust the treatment plan.
Addressing Common Concerns About Dental X-Rays
- Are X-rays harmful?
Dental X-rays are considered safe due to the low levels of radiation, compared to the traditional X-rays used in the past. With the advancement in dental technology, dental radiology machines are designed considering patient safety.
- Can an X-ray cause cancer?
This is the greatest fear that patients have when they are asked to go for a dental X-ray. But studies have shown that the radiation from dental X-rays is very minimal, and thus the chances of causing cancer are very low. Also, while taking the dental X-ray, your dentist covers you with a lead apron to protect you from the radiation.
- Safety Measures in Place for Dental X-rays.
Your dentist covers you with a lead apron and thyroid collar to minimize the radiation exposure and employs specific X-ray unit features like beam limitations and protective barriers. The dentist also follows the ALARA principle(As Low As Reasonably Achievable) to limit the radiation exposure.
- Strict Guidelines and Oversight –
Both the ADA and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) enforce strict safety regulations for dental radiology equipment and procedures. These protocols ensure that every X-ray is performed responsibly, with patient well-being as the top priority. At Kathy Jacobsen Contemporary Dentistry, we not only meet but exceed these standards by incorporating the latest dental technology and ongoing staff training.
In short, while concerns about radiation are natural, patients can feel confident knowing that dental X-rays are safe, carefully regulated, and essential for protecting long-term oral health.
Safety Standards at AZ Dentistry
At Kathy Jacobsen Contemporary Dentistry, we prioritize your safety and peace of mind:
- We use advanced digital X-ray systems that minimize radiation exposure.
- We follow all ADA and FDA radiology safety guidelines rigorously.
- Only necessary X-rays are performed; no unnecessary imaging.
- Your comfort, health, and long-term smile integrity are always our focus.
Conclusion
Dental X-rays are safe, essential, and invaluable for maintaining your oral health. The minimal radiation risk is far outweighed by the benefits of early detection and effective treatment.
Don’t let concerns hold you back from crucial diagnostics. At Kathy Jacobsen Contemporary Dentistry, our modern technology and expert care ensure every X-ray is safe, accurate, and tailored to you.
Ready for a safe, thorough dental exam?
Book your appointment with Kathy Jacobsen Contemporary Dentistry today, where advanced dental radiology meets patient-centered care.