Digital X-rays
Dentists/ Dental hygienists use X-rays to help diagnose damage and disease that is not visible during a clinical dental examination. How often X-rays, or radiographs, should be taken depends on specific factors such as an individual’s current oral health, age, the risk for disease, and any signs or symptoms of oral disease. This means that there is no “one size fits all” when it comes to the interval between dental X-rays. Dentists/ Dental hygienists adhere to the “ALARA” principle, a phrase coined in 1973 by the International Commission on Radiologic Protection, which stands for “As Low as Reasonably Achievable.” Under the ALARA principle, dentists take precautions1 to help ensure that:
- All X-ray exposures are justified in relation to their benefits; Necessary exposures are kept as low as reasonably achievable (i.e., ALARA); and the doses received by patients and personnel are kept well below the allowable limits.
While dental X-rays do involve radiation, the exposure
levels are so low that they’re considered safe for children and adults. If your dentist uses digital X-rays instead of developing them on film, your risks from radiation exposure are even lower.
Your dentist will also place a lead “bib” over your chest, abdomen, and pelvic region to prevent any unnecessary radiation exposure to your vital organs. A thyroid collar may be used in the case of thyroid conditions. Children and women of childbearing age may also wear them along with the lead bib.
Types of X-rays There are several types of dental X-rays, which record slightly different views of your mouth. The most common are intraoral X-rays, such as:
- Bitewing. This technique involves biting down on a special piece of paper so that your dentist can see how well the crowns of your teeth match up. This is commonly used to check for cavities between teeth (interdental).
- Occlusal. This X-ray is done when your jaw is closed to see how your upper and bottom teeth line up. It can also detect anatomical abnormalities with the floor of the mouth or the palate.
- Occlusal. This technique captures all of your teeth in one shot.
- Panoramic. For this type of X-ray, the machine rotates around the head. Your dentist may use this technique to check your wisdom teeth, plan for implanted dental devices, or investigate jaw problems.
- Periapical. This technique focuses on two complete teeth from root to crown. Extraoral X-rays may be used when your dentist suspects there might be problems in areas outside of the gums and teeth, such as the jaw. A dental hygienist will guide you through each step of the X-ray process. They might step outside of the room briefly while the images are being taken. You’ll be instructed to hold still while the pictures are recorded. Spacers (film holders), if they’re used, will be moved and adjusted in your mouth to obtain the proper images.
Sources:
Department of Scientific Information, Evidence Synthesis & Translation Research, ADA Science & Research Institute, LLC. (n.d.). X-rays/radiographs. https://www.ada.org/en/member-center/oral-health-topics/x-rays.
Krans, B. (2018, September 29). Dental X-Rays. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-x-rays#types