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Dental X-Rays 101
Just by looking in your mouth, X-rays can detect problems that may be missed, such as tooth infections, cavities between teeth, jawbone loss due to periodontal disease, jaw development issues in children, and tumors or malignancies of the jaw. X-rays help your dentist diagnose the extent of your dental problems and are required by almost all dental insurance companies for payment processing.
Common types of dental x-rays include bite-wing x-rays, used to identify cavities between the teeth; periapical x-rays to identify individual tooth problems; and panoramic x-rays, commonly used to identify impacted wisdom teeth, jaw tumors, and jaw development.
Another type of dental image is a CBCT (cone-beam computed technology), which generates a 3-D image of the jaw like a Cat Scan. This one is not as often used but can provide valuable information when placing dental implants or evaluating the position of impacted teeth.
The often-asked question is, are dental x-rays safe? We are exposed to sun, air, and soil radiation daily. So, to limit the radiation exposure from x-rays, your dentist will use a unique lead-lined drape which may include a special collar to protect your thyroid.
Pregnant women may wonder if dental x-rays can harm their unborn child. X-rays are considered safe at any stage of pregnancy. However, the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists notes that delaying dental treatment, including x-rays, could lead to more severe problems like an infection. Tell your dentist if you are or might be pregnant. A protective drape will cover your abdomen if an x-ray is needed.