Understanding Dental X-Rays From a General Dentist

A general dentist can perform dental X-rays as part of a routine dental checkup. These scans are recommended every year or two to reveal a patient's oral health below the gum line. While most adults have already had them at some point, it is common to want to learn more about what they do, their safety and efficacy, and what to expect moving forward. Whether you or your child is due for dental X-rays, here is what you need to know about these scans from a general dentist.

The basics of dental X-rays

Dental X-rays are routine scans that use electromagnetic radiation to reveal the structures beneath the gum line, including the roots of the teeth, nerves, and jawbone. By reading the scans, general dentists can identify signs of oral cancer and gum disease. They can also uncover how deep tooth decay extends, such as if it has reached the tooth roots, informing the dentist of whether a root canal procedure is needed to restore oral health.

When are dental X-rays needed?

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends that people receive dental X-rays at various frequencies according to a patient's age and oral health. Adults with no current cavities and who are not at an increased risk for developing them may only need X-rays about every two or three years. On the other hand, adults with cavities or an increased risk of tooth decay, such as if they have gum disease or diabetes, should have X-rays more often — about every six to 18 months.

According to the FDA, children need dental X-rays more often. Young patients with good oral health should receive them every one to two years. However, children with cavities or at an increased risk for them should get X-rays every six months or at least annually.

Safety and efficacy

Dental X-rays are both safe and effective. Per the American Dental Association, they are even safe for pregnant and breastfeeding patients with proper protection: a lead apron and thyroid collar. However, most general dentists will recommend delaying routine dental X-rays until the patient is no longer pregnant or breastfeeding to be extra cautious.

What to expect when getting dental X-rays

Dental X-rays are performed at the dentist’s office in the same chair as the dental cleaning. They are typically done at the beginning of a routine dental checkup, right before the cleaning. The dental hygienist will place a heavy lead apron over the patient’s chest to protect against excess radiation. A thyroid collar may be placed on the throat for additional protection. Then, they will take one of the following types of dental X-rays:

Intraoral X-rays

Dental X-rays that use a film or sensor placed inside the mouth. A common example is bitewing X-rays, in which the patient bites down on a tab for the scan to be taken. These reveal cavities between the teeth and jawbone health.

Extraoral X-rays

Dental X-rays in which the sensor or film is positioned outside of the mouth. Panoramic X-rays, for instance, are taken from the outside of the mouth, revealing the teeth roots, nerves, and jawbone.