An X-ray is a helpful tool used by healthcare providers and dentists alike. Using pulses of low level radiation and light and dark contrasting, X-ray machines are able to produce specialized images that distinguish between different internal features. For example, muscle will appear more translucent while tooth and bone will be opaque. Less dense tissue appears darker, while highly dense material appears lighter.
X-rays allow your dentist to see past the soft tissues of the body and take a deeper look inside for a detailed image of the jawbone, roots, and teeth. With this thorough look at aspects of your oral health that are invisible to the naked eye, dental X-rays are useful in detecting both minor and major dental issues, from cavities to tumors.
Dental x-rays and imaging are among the many diagnostic services offered at Castle Dental. We believe prevention is just as important as treatment when it comes to dental health, so we include dental x-rays as part of our standard of care.
Your dentist will determine when, if, and how often you should have dental x-rays based on several factors including your age, risk of tooth decay and oral health history.
There are several different kinds of X-rays and they all produce slightly different views and images of the mouth. Your dentist will likely take multiple different x-rays to get the most complete and comprehensive picture of your mouth as possible.
Intraoral X-rays. Intraoral X-rays are the most common type of X-ray taken at the dentist. They produce images taken specifically of the teeth and jaw bones. They provide significant detail of the condition of the teeth and are used to detect cavities and other concerns. The most common intraoral X-rays include:
Occlusal X-ray
Bitewing X-ray
Extraoral X-rays. Extraoral X-rays focus mainly on the jaw and skull. They are useful for more specialized dentistry and for trauma to the mouth and head. The most common extraoral X-rays include:
Panoramic X-ray
Cephalometric X-ray
In general, most dental X-rays can be taken at your dentist’s office and are often considered to be part of a full-service dental checkup and cleaning. There will likely be a special space designated specifically to the X-ray machine, but it will be in the same office as the other treatment areas.
Depending on the technology being used and the type of X-ray being taken, the X-ray tech may place a lead shield over your body. You might bite down on a special film that helps the machine see the inside of your mouth more clearly, or you may have to close your mouth over a device for an intraoral x-ray. Once completed, your dentist will examine the images closely, looking for any decay, abnormalities and the overall structure of the teeth.
The amount of radiation used during a dental X-ray is so low that there is no virtually no cause for concern, and your dentist and dental hygienist will take every precaution necessary to further minimize any exposure, such as with shields or lead vests. Dental X-rays have been used safely for more than 100 years, and their benefits far outweigh the risk.
If you are concerned about the safety or possible exposure of your dental x-rays, be sure to discuss it with your dentist, hygienist, or x-ray technicians.
Dental X-rays are an important part of a dental checkup and are typically covered by dental insurance plans, the majority of which are accepted at Castle Dental. If your insurance will not cover X-rays or if you do not have dental insurance, we also offer our OneSmile Dental plan, which includes free checkups and dental X-rays to members for one low annual fee.
Quality dental care shouldn’t cost a fortune, and at Castle Dental, we work hard to make sure the care you need fits your budget. We also make sure preventative services like x-rays are easy and convenient, offering them at all of our locations and with flexible scheduling options. Make your appointment today!