If you visit your dentist on a regular basis, it is highly probable that you get a dental X-ray in one or few of those visits. X-rays are really useful for dentists who are needing a thorough diagnosis for oral issues and wanting to see what’s below the gum surface. It is natural for you to wonder how safe these X-rays are if you are regularly exposed to them. You might be wondering if there really is a need for them, too. This post aims to give you some answers to some of the most common questions about dental X-rays.

What are dental X-rays exactly?

They are 2D images that show the bones and the anatomy of teeth in your mouth below your gum surface and enamel. There are two kinds of dental X-rays: traditional film and the more modern digital. As you can probably guess, digital is quickly replacing film. It’s no wonder.

First of all, digital X-ray emits about 80% less radiation than film. It is also a much quicker process and also easier to archive. Because of these advantages, more and more dentists are now choosing to use digital dental X-rays exclusively.

Dental X-rays can be intraoral, which involves taking the X-ray image from the inside of your mouth or extra-oral which is taken from outside your mouth (around the jaw area). Intraoral X-rays show details in the teeth as well as their supporting bones, allowing your dentist to detect cavities, root health, tooth development and anchoring to the jaw bone. On the other hand, extraoral X-rays focus on the larger structural bones, specifically the upper and lower jaw. They are mainly used to identify concerns like impacted teeth and to monitor jaw joint health or see breaks and fractures easily.

How Often Should You Get a Dental X-ray?

You should not get unnecessary dental X-rays taken so you won’t get exposed to radiation longer than needed. Remember that dental X-rays are only used to give accurate diagnoses. So if you are generally in good oral health and there’s really no dental issue that requires close monitoring, perhaps an X-ray every two to three years will do. However, if you have dental issues like tooth root problems, cavities, gingivitis, or problems about your jaw, trust that your dentist will advise the needed amount of X-rays right for you.

We, at Dental Laboratory Associates, work with some of the best dentists in the country. If you are looking for one in your area, we can refer you to one of ours who would be more than happy to take care of your oral health.