Dental X-Rays
Dental X-rays let us see what's happening beneath the surface – between teeth, below the gum line, and inside the jawbone – areas that simply aren't visible during a regular check-up. They're one of the most valuable tools we have for catching problems early, often before you'd feel any symptoms at all.
Q: Why do I need X-rays if my teeth feel fine?
Many dental problems don't cause pain until they're quite advanced. X-rays can reveal decay between teeth, under old fillings, or below the gum line long before it would be visible to the eye or cause discomfort. They also show bone levels around the teeth, developing wisdom teeth, cysts, abscesses, and the position of teeth that haven't yet come through – all things a visual examination alone can't tell us.
Q: What types of dental X-rays are there?
The type we take depends on what we need to see:
• Bitewing X-rays: show the crowns of the upper and lower back teeth, mainly used to check for decay between teeth
• Periapical X-rays: show the whole tooth from crown to root tip, useful for checking root and bone health
• Panoramic X-rays: a single image showing the entire mouth, including jaws and wisdom teeth, useful for planning and for spotting problems early
• Occlusal X-rays: show the full arch of teeth from above or below, less commonly needed
Q: Are dental X-rays safe?
Yes. Modern digital X-ray equipment uses very low doses of radiation – a full set of bitewings involves less exposure than a short flight. We also use lead aprons and, where appropriate, thyroid collars for extra protection, and only take X-rays when they're clinically necessary. If you're pregnant, or think you might be, please let us know beforehand so we can take any extra precautions.
Q: How often will I need X-rays?
This depends on your individual risk of dental problems, your age, and your dental history. Patients with a history of decay or gum disease may need X-rays more frequently than those with consistently healthy check-ups. As a general guide, most patients need bitewing X-rays every one to two years, with a panoramic X-ray less often. We'll always explain why a particular X-ray is being recommended for you.