A Dental X-Ray is a medical procedure that’s used by a dentist to find medical conditions or issues within the mouth. This type of x-ray can easily identify ailments that a dentist cant properly see through a physical examination, x-ray allows the dentist to image the condition of the teeth and jaw below the gum where it’s otherwise impossible to see. These images will enable them to view undetected problems like decay, cavities and abscesses to predict future complications and make better decisions about treatment plans.
Similar to the standard x-rays, a dental x-ray shines a small amount of radiation and electromagnetic energy beams into the area. These beams then print an image onto an x-ray film. Hard matter, like a tooth, won’t allow the beams to penetrate it, so a tooth will show up white or light color in the x-ray, less dense matter, like a decay, will allow the beam to penetrate it, so it will show up as a dark image.
There are two main types of dental x-rays - intraoral and extraoral.
- Intraoral xray is when the film is inside the mouth. Intraoral x rays are the most common type of dental x ray and show things like cavities, the health of the tooth root and the bone surrounding the tooth.
- Extraoral xray is when the film is outside the mouth. Extraoral x rays aren’t as common, it’s usually used to detect issues within the jaw and skull. This type of x ray is also commonly used to monitor the growth of wisdom teeth (usually called a panoramic x ray).
Are dental x-rays harmful to my health?
While the term radiation may sound scary, x-rays actually have very low radiation exposure. Radiation is toxic, but like any toxin, the risk is determined by dosage over time. A large dose very quickly is hazardous; that same dose spread out over a long period, is not.
Radiographs are low-doses of radiation delivered very infrequently. They do not pose a risk to children, adults, or the elderly. Although dental X-rays may expose patients to some radiation, the advantages of having x-rays exceed the hazards.
At GlenHuntly Dental, we use the latest OPG machines to take our radiographs.
How many dental x-rays are safe per year?
There is no exact number to the amount of radiation that’s safe – as this can depend highly on your size and underlying conditions. However, it’s generally recommended for grown adults to have around one dental x ray per year.
Can a dental x-ray affect pregnancy?
Dental x-rays are safe to have when a patient is pregnant. However, it’s always a good idea to consult with a dentist before undertaking any medical procedure when you’re pregnant.
Can I refuse a dental x-ray?
A dentist cannot force a patient to receive any type of treatment, even an x-ray. However, there can be repercussions to refusing a dental x-ray. Without this essential diagnostic tool, many treatments simply can’t be appropriately planned or executed. These include
- Implants
- Certain extractions
- Diagnosis of toothache
- Root canal problems
- Periodontitis
Most common reasons for dental x-rays
One of the most common reasons we refer patients for an OPG is to assess their wisdom teeth.
As they like to hide in the very corners of our mouths often obscured by gum, getting a good look at wisdom teeth is often quite difficult. X-rays allow the dentist to see if the number of wisdom teeth present, their position, whether their growth is affecting surrounding teeth, and their relationship to structures like facial nerves.