Dental x-rays help your dentist see areas of your smile that are not visible during a standard visual exam. These images are an important part of preventive and diagnostic care. When used appropriately, dental x-rays help your Paramount Dental care team make informed recommendations and plan treatment with greater accuracy.
Schedule A Dental X-ray Consultation
Benefits
Dental x-rays allow your dentist to obtain an enhanced picture of the structure of your teeth, roots, jawbone, and other surrounding tissues. They help by:
- Detecting cavities between teeth or under dental restorations.
- Assessing the effects of gum disease on bone levels.
- Identifying infection, cysts, tumors, or abscesses below the gum line.
- Visualizing impacted teeth or improperly erupted teeth.
- Supports treatment planning for restorations, orthodontics, implants, and extractions.
- Providing supportive data for evaluating tooth pain, swelling, trauma, and bite disorders.
Dental x-rays are generally taken prior to restorative treatments (such as dental implants, dental bridges, or treating a fractured tooth) or as part of a general dental examination.
Procedure
Dental x-rays are typically quick and comfortable. The type of image recommended depends on your symptoms, oral health history, risk factors, age, and the area your dentist needs to evaluate.
Review of Your Needs
Before recommending x-rays, your dental team usually reviews your health and dental history, any new symptoms you are experiencing, and your most recent x-ray images. Your dental team will only recommend x-rays when they will provide valuable information for your oral health.
Type of X-rays Taken
There are various types of x-rays that help your dental team visually see specific areas of your mouth. Some of them include:
- Bitewing x-rays which capture images of the crowns of the back teeth and the bone levels between them.
- Periapical x-rays provide images of an entire tooth from crown to tip.
- Panoramic x-rays show the upper and lower jaws, teeth, jaw joints, and surrounding structures in one image.
Image Review
After your x-rays are taken, your dentist reviews them along with your visual exam findings. If a concern is found, your dentist will inform you and recommend additional care if necessary.
Treatment Planning
X-rays are a modern tool that help guide preventive dental care in addition to identifying the need for fillings, gum treatment, root canal therapy, extractions, orthodontic care, dental implants, or other treatment when needed.
Candidacy & Alternatives
Dental x-rays are recommended for new patients to help set a baseline of oral health. For existing or returning patients, x-rays are often a part of preventive visits and may be recommended if you are suffering from unexplained tooth pain, swelling, or broken teeth. X-rays are also necessary to evaluate the progress of gum disease and help in planning for orthodontic, implant, and tooth extraction procedures as well as monitoring existing dental work.
X-rays are not a one-size-fits-all. Every patient has different needs. Your dental team will carefully consider your age, oral health, and risk factors prior to recommending new images.
There is no real alternative for dental x-rays, however, visual exams, periodontal measurements, intraoral photos, or other diagnostic tools are often used alongside x-rays to help complete the evaluation.
X-ray Cost & Dental Insurance
The cost of dental x-rays depends on the type of images taken, how many are needed, whether they are part of an exam, and whether additional diagnostic services are included.
Most dental insurance plans cover preventive or diagnostic x-rays, but frequency limits and coverage rules vary. Our office team at Paramount Dental will review your benefits and estimate out-of-pocket costs before care begins so that you know what to expect.
Aftercare & Maintenance
After your x-ray images are taken, your dentist will review the findings with you. If a concern is found, then additional care may be necessary. We recommend that you:
- Follow through with any recommended exams, cleanings, or treatment
- Continue a good oral hygiene schedule at home.
- Call Paramount Dental at (916) 898-0003 if you develop tooth pain, swelling, break a tooth, experience bleeding gums, or notice any bite changes.
Future x-rays are recommended only as necessary.
Dental X-rays FAQs
Why are dental x-rays needed?
X-rays help your dental team to evaluate areas of your mouth that cannot be seen during a visual exam. The images help find hidden cavities, bone loss, infections, impacted teeth, cysts, tumors, root concerns, and problems beneath existing fillings or crowns.
Are dental x-rays safe?
Yes, they are. Dental x-rays use low radiation levels, and modern techniques limit exposure.
How often do I need dental x-rays?
Frequency is based on a patient’s age, health history, and risk for cavities or gum disease. Once a baseline is established, x-rays are generally taken every 1 to 2 years for low-risk patients. High-risk patients require x-rays more often to ensure proper oral care.
What are bitewing x-rays used for?
Bitewing x-rays are taken to evaluate bone levels, check existing restorations, identify possible decay between the teeth, and monitor the development of permanent teeth in younger patients.
What are periapical x-rays?
Periapical x-rays are images of a specific tooth from the crown to the root tip. They may be recommended for unexplained tooth pain, infection, swelling, trauma, or other single tooth concerns.
What is a panoramic x-ray?
A panoramic x-ray captures the upper and lower jaws in one image. It helps your dental team evaluate impacted teeth, jaw concerns, dental development, orthodontic needs, and oral surgery planning.
Do dental x-rays hurt?
No. Dental x-rays are noninvasive and should not hurt.