Dental x-rays show decay between teeth, infections at the root tips, bone levels and teeth hidden in the jaw. The main types are small intraoral images (bitewing and periapical), the panoramic image of the whole mouth and the 3D CBCT scan used for implants and complex cases. Doses are low, especially for small images, and x-rays are taken only when they are likely to change a diagnosis or treatment.
Why dentists need x-rays
A dental examination with a mirror and light shows only the visible surfaces. Many problems develop where the eye cannot reach:
- Decay between the teeth or under old fillings
- Infection or cysts at the tip of a root
- Bone loss caused by gum disease
- Wisdom teeth and other teeth that have not come through
- The shape and length of roots before root canal treatment or extraction
- The quantity and quality of bone before an implant
X-rays are not taken by routine for everyone at every visit. Their frequency depends on your risk of decay and gum disease, your symptoms and the treatment planned.
The main types of dental x-ray
| Type | What it shows | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| Bitewing | Crowns of the back teeth, upper and lower, and bone level | Decay between teeth, gum check |
| Periapical | One or two whole teeth with roots and surrounding bone | Toothache, infection, root canal treatment |
| Panoramic (OPG) | The whole mouth, both jaws, joints and sinuses in one image | Wisdom teeth, overview, planning |
| CBCT (3D cone beam scan) | A three-dimensional image of a region of the jaw | Implants, impacted teeth, complex cases |
Our articles on wisdom tooth removal and dental implants explain when panoramic images and 3D scans are typically used.
How much radiation do dental x-rays involve?
Dental x-rays use some of the lowest doses in medical imaging. To give a sense of scale:
- A small intraoral image corresponds roughly to the natural background radiation we all receive from the environment over about a day
- A panoramic image corresponds to roughly a few days of natural background radiation
- A CBCT scan involves more, varying widely with the machine and the size of the area scanned, but still usually less than a medical CT scan of the head
The principle followed by dentists is “as low as reasonably achievable”: take an image only when it is useful, choose the smallest suitable type and use the right settings.
X-rays during pregnancy
Dental x-rays aim at the mouth, far from the abdomen, and the dose is very low. Non-urgent images are usually postponed until after pregnancy. When an image is needed to diagnose pain or infection, it can generally be taken with appropriate precautions. Always tell the dentist if you are or might be pregnant. Our article on dental care during pregnancy gives more detail.
X-rays for children
Children may need x-rays to detect decay between baby molars or to check developing teeth. The doses and image sizes are adapted to their age, and images are taken only when they help decisions.
How often should you have dental x-rays?
There is no fixed rule for everyone. A patient with healthy teeth and low risk may need bitewings only every couple of years, while someone with frequent decay or gum disease may need them more often. Your dentist decides based on your history and examination, which is one of the reasons regular check-ups are valuable.
Can I bring x-rays from another clinic?
Yes, and it is helpful. Recent images, especially panoramic and CBCT scans, can avoid repeating an exposure. Bring them on paper, on a USB drive or as files on your phone, with the date they were taken.
X-rays and examinations at Ajam Dental Clinic, Tripoli
At Ajam Dental Clinic, Fouad Chehab Boulevard, Al-Makateb Building, 1st floor, Tripoli, we request x-rays only when they are needed for a diagnosis or a treatment plan, and we take time to show you and explain what they reveal. If you already have recent images, bring them along. Learn about our check-ups and preventive care and contact us by WhatsApp or phone.
Frequently asked questions
Are dental x-rays safe?
Dental x-rays involve very low doses of radiation, among the lowest in medical imaging. They are taken only when they are expected to help with diagnosis or treatment, using the smallest suitable image. For most patients the benefit of finding problems early is far greater than the very small risk from the radiation.
What is the difference between a panoramic x-ray and a CBCT scan?
A panoramic x-ray is a flat image of the whole mouth, useful as an overview and for wisdom teeth. A CBCT scan creates a three-dimensional image of a region, showing bone width, the position of nerves and sinuses in detail. It is mainly used to plan implants and for complex cases, and involves a higher, though still limited, dose.
Do I need an x-ray at every visit?
No. The frequency depends on your risk of decay and gum disease, your symptoms and any planned treatment. Low-risk patients may need bitewing images only occasionally, while others need them more often. Your dentist explains why an image is recommended.
Can I have a dental x-ray while breastfeeding?
Yes. Dental x-rays do not affect breast milk, and no special precautions are needed for breastfeeding. Mention it anyway if you are also taking medicines, so the whole treatment plan can take it into account.
Why do dentists step out of the room during an x-ray?
Dentists and assistants take many images every day, so they avoid repeated exposure by stepping away or standing behind a protective barrier. For the patient, the dose from a single image is very low, so this is a matter of cumulative professional exposure, not a sign that the image is dangerous for you.
Have a question about your teeth?
Send a WhatsApp message to Dr. Abdel Rahman Ajam or Dr. Soumaya Ajam, or call the clinic to book a consultation.
This article provides general information for patients. It does not replace an examination by a dentist, who can advise you on your own situation.
