X-rays (Radiographs)

What are they?

X-rays show what is happening inside and around the tooth and its roots. They will show any decay or gum disease, bone loss and, in children, how the jaw is growing too.

Dentists use two regular types of x-ray. You grip a 'bitewing' x-ray between your teeth and it shows the teeth and the areas in between the teeth but not the roots. A periapical x-ray is placed next to the tooth and shows the whole of the tooth and its root.

The larger x-ray image, which show all of the jaw and teeth  are called panoramic x-rays or OPG's and the x-ray machine moves around your head while you stand still. These show the sinuses, the areas of the saliva glands, and all of the lower part of the face. They cah also show up non detal problems.

A third type is a CT, Cat scan or cone beam. This provides a 3D image which may be required for some dental implant work and orla surgery.

What happens?

Trained members of the dentist's staff can take x-rays, as well as the dentist and hygienist. Training makes sure the x-rays are taken safely, as well as being clear to read. There is a small risk of radiation in x-rays that are taken for general health reasons but dental x-ray radiation is very low. Digital x-rays need even less radiation than normal dental x-rays and the average digital dental x-ray is equivalent to sitting watching television for a few minutes.

If you are concerned about safety, it may be helpful to know that:

• Digital Dental x-rays are very low dosage, 40 x-rays is an equivalent exposure to the background radiation received on a transatlantic flight.
• Your dentist will only take x-rays if they are needed;
• X-ray machines are checked regularly to make sure that they are only using the intended radiation dose;
• You can still have dental x-rays when you are pregnant. (Your dentist may still ask you whether you are pregnant or whether you might be, and whether you would rather not have an x-ray.)

When the x-ray is taken:

• You will need to keep very still for a fraction of a second to give a clear picture;
• The film is usually developed while you wait and then labelled; At our Dental Practice the digital x-rays need no developing and are available in fractions of a second on the computer screen for you and the dental team to see.
• It is useful for the dentist to compare a new x-ray with one taken some time ago. Your dentist will keep old x-rays in your file.
• You may have copies of them for a small administration fee specified by the government.

What are the benefits?

• Almost all forms of dental treatment rely on dental x-rays. Simply looking in your mouth cannot give the dentist as much information.
• X-rays allow your dentist to review old treatment as well as identify new problems.