Much of what affects your teeth cannot be seen in the mirror. Dental X-rays let the dentist see between teeth, beneath fillings, around the roots and inside the jawbone, so problems can be found early and treatment can be planned accurately.
What X-rays can show
- Decay between teeth or under existing fillings and crowns.
- Infection at the tip of a root, which may need root canal treatment.
- Bone loss caused by gum disease.
- Wisdom teeth and other teeth that have not come through.
- The position of teeth and roots before orthodontic treatment, extractions or prosthetic work.
Is it safe?
Dental X-rays use a very small dose of radiation, and the dentist only takes them when the information is needed for your care. Tell the team if you are pregnant or might be, so they can decide whether an X-ray should wait.
What to expect
Taking an X-ray takes only a few minutes and does not hurt. You may be asked to bite gently on a small holder or stand still while the machine moves around your head for a panoramic image. The dentist then goes through the images with you and explains what they show.
This page is general information, not a diagnosis. The dentist will recommend treatment after examining you.