What Are Dental X-Rays and Why Do You Need Them?

Dental X-rays are images of your teeth and gums that help your dentist diagnose and treat various dental problems. They can reveal cavities, infections, bone loss, and other issues that are not visible to the naked eye. In this article, we will explain how dental X-rays are done, what they show, and how often you need them.

How are dental X-rays done?

Dental X-rays are done in a dental clinic by a dentist or a dental assistant. There are different types of dental X-rays, such as intraoral (inside the mouth) or extraoral (outside the mouth), that can capture different views of your teeth and gums. Some of the common types of dental X-rays in Singapore are:

• Orthopantomogram (OPG): This is a panoramic X-ray that shows your entire mouth, including your teeth, jaws, sinuses, and joints. It is useful for assessing the growth and development of your teeth, detecting impacted wisdom teeth, planning for implants or braces, and screening for oral cancer.
• Periapical (PA): This is an X-ray that shows one or two teeth in detail, including the roots and the surrounding bone. It is useful for diagnosing tooth decay, abscesses, root canal problems, and bone loss.
• Bitewing: This is an X-ray that shows the upper and lower teeth in one area of your mouth. It is useful for detecting cavities between your teeth, checking the fit of your fillings or crowns, and measuring the bone level around your teeth.
• Cone-Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT): This is a 3D X-ray that shows a detailed image of your teeth, jaws, and facial structures. It is useful for planning complex procedures, such as implant surgery, orthognathic surgery, or root canal treatment.

To take a dental X-ray, you will be asked to sit or stand in front of an X-ray machine and bite on a small plastic device that holds the X-ray film or sensor. You may also need to wear a lead apron or a thyroid shield to protect your body from radiation exposure. The X-ray machine will then emit a beam of radiation that passes through your mouth and creates an image on the film or sensor. The process is quick and painless, and usually takes only a few minutes.

What do dental X-rays show?

Dental X-rays show the internal structures of your teeth and gums that are not visible to the naked eye. They can help your dentist detect and treat various dental problems, such as:

• Cavities: These are holes in your teeth caused by bacteria that feed on sugar and produce acid. Dental X-rays can show cavities that are hidden between your teeth or under your fillings or crowns.
• Infections: These are caused by bacteria that invade your tooth pulp (the soft tissue inside your tooth) or your gums. Dental X-rays can show signs of infection, such as abscesses (pus-filled sacs), swelling, or bone loss.
• Bone loss: This is caused by gum disease (inflammation of your gums) or other factors, such as aging, smoking, or diabetes. Dental X-rays can show how much bone you have lost around your teeth and whether you need treatment to prevent tooth loss.
• Impacted teeth: These are teeth that do not erupt properly into your mouth because they are blocked by other teeth, bone, or soft tissue. Dental X-rays can show impacted teeth, such as wisdom teeth, and whether they need to be removed to prevent pain or infection.
• Developmental problems: These are problems that affect the growth and development of your teeth and jaws, such as missing teeth, extra teeth, malformed teeth, or jaw abnormalities. Dental X-rays can show these problems and whether you need treatment to correct them.

How often do you need dental X-rays?

The frequency of dental X-rays depends on your age, oral health, medical history, and risk factors. Your dentist will recommend how often you need dental X-rays based on these factors and the type of dental problem you have. Generally speaking:

• Children may need dental X-rays more often than adults because their teeth and jaws are still developing and they are more prone to cavities.
• Adults may need dental X-rays every 6 to 24 months depending on their oral health condition and whether they have any signs or symptoms of dental problems.
• Pregnant women may need dental X-rays only if they have a dental emergency or infection that cannot be diagnosed without them. They should inform their dentist about their pregnancy and use extra protection to shield their abdomen from radiation exposure.

Dental X-rays are an important tool for maintaining your oral health and preventing serious dental problems. They can help your dentist diagnose and treat various issues that may affect your teeth and gums. However, they should be used only when necessary and with proper precautions to minimize radiation exposure. If you have any questions or concerns about dental X-rays, you can consult your dentist or visit our website for more information.