Oral Health 3 min read
Dental X-Ray: Types, Safety and When You Need One
A dental X-ray shows what cannot be seen by eye. Here are the common types, what the NHS says about safety, and when your dentist will ask for one.
This guide relates to our root canal treatment treatment.
What is a dental X-ray for?
A dental X-ray shows parts of the teeth and jaw that cannot be seen during an examination, such as decay between teeth, the roots, and the bone around them. It helps us plan treatment such as a root canal in Multan or an implant, where the bone needs to be measured.
An X-ray is one part of an examination, not a substitute for it. We look at your teeth and gums first, then decide whether an image would change the advice we give you.
What types of dental X-ray are there?
The most common types are bitewing X-rays, which show the back teeth and the spaces between them, and periapical X-rays, which show the whole tooth and the bone at its root. A panoramic X-ray captures the whole jaw in one image, and is used for planning wisdom teeth and some implant or orthodontic treatments.
| Type | What it shows | When it is used |
|---|---|---|
| Bitewing | The back teeth and the spaces between them | To look for decay between teeth and bone loss from gum disease |
| Periapical | A whole tooth and the bone around its root | For root problems, infections and root canal treatment |
| Panoramic | The whole jaw, teeth and joints in one image | For wisdom teeth, orthodontic and implant planning |
Is a dental X-ray safe?
Every X-ray uses a small amount of radiation, so dentists only take one when the benefit is greater than the risk. A North Cumbria NHS leaflet explains that dental X-rays are in the lowest risk category, and that dentists take the minimum number of images needed after a full examination.
Dental X-rays do not increase the risk to an unborn baby. Tell the team if you might be pregnant, because they can decide with you whether to delay an image. Children have a slightly higher sensitivity to radiation, so teams keep the dose as low as possible for them.
When will your dentist ask for an X-ray?
Common reasons include finding the cause of pain that cannot be seen, checking decay between teeth, looking at the roots before a root canal, and planning an extraction of a wisdom tooth. Your dentist should explain why an image is needed and how often they expect to take one.
If you are unsure, ask us why an X-ray is being recommended. A good answer names the specific question the image will answer.
What to expect during the X-ray
The X-ray takes only a few minutes. You may be asked to bite on a small sensor or to stand still for a panoramic image. The team lays a protective apron over you, and explains each step before it happens.
The image is usually shown on screen straight away, so we can talk through what it shows. You can ask for a copy to take to another dentist.
When to see a dentist in Multan
If you have pain that will not settle, a tooth that feels loose, or swelling, book a visit rather than waiting. We are open Sunday to Thursday and on Saturday, from 5:30 pm to 10:30 pm, and we are closed on Fridays. You can message us on WhatsApp about an X-ray and we will tell you what to bring.
This article is general information. Please see a dentist for advice about your own teeth.
Frequently asked questions
How many X-rays will I need?
Only as many as your dentist needs after an examination. A check-up does not always need an X-ray, and the number depends on your teeth and the treatment planned.
Can I refuse an X-ray?
Yes, you can ask questions and decline. Ask the dentist what the image would show and what happens without it, so you can decide with full information.
Is a dental X-ray safe during pregnancy?
Dental X-rays do not increase the risk to an unborn baby, but you should tell the team you might be pregnant. They can decide with you whether to delay an image.
Can I get a copy of my X-ray?
Yes. Ask the team, and they will explain how to receive it, which is useful if you see another dentist.
Sources
Have a question about your own teeth?
Book on WhatsApp, and our team will reply with the next steps.