Dental X-ray

Regular visits to the dentist are one of the healthy habits most of us try to maintain. However, there is a possibility that the dentist may detect certain problems that are difficult to spot during a routine check-up. A dental X-ray is the first step towards finding a solution, and the various types available cater to a wide range of symptoms.

• General information about dental X-rays;
• The role and necessity of dental X-rays;
• Types of dental X-rays;
• How safe are dental X-rays?

At DENT ESTET clinics, examinations are performed within a digital radiology center and are integrated into the diagnosis and planning process.

An essential step for dentists in establishing an accurate diagnosis, dental X-rays reveal details that can determine the nature of dental treatment and even an entire treatment plan. A dental X-ray is a two-dimensional image of the teeth, jaws, bones and soft tissues, produced by exposure to X-rays or a digital scan.

Imaging examinations may be part of the assessment performed during the initial dental clinic visit, depending on the patient's situation and the dentist's recommendation.

Dental X-rays serve a dual purpose. On the one hand, they provide answers to the questions dentists begin to ask themselves when a simple examination fails to fully reveal the patient’s dental problems. Without obvious signs in the teeth or gums, the dentist cannot draw a conclusion based solely on patients’ complaints regarding the discomfort or pain that brought them to the surgery.

On the other hand, X-rays are the most important preventive measure, as they allow conditions to be detected early so that appropriate treatment can be administered. The dentist needs an X-ray that is as accurate as possible in order to detect tooth decay or other structures invisible on the surface of the teeth, wisdom teeth in their early stages, bone loss or any other conditions that cannot be seen with the naked eye.

Just as dental conditions vary, no single type of X-ray can be suitable for everyone. On the dentist’s advice, based on the symptoms you describe during your consultation, you will have one of the types of X-ray described below.

Conventional dental X-rays and digital dental X-rays

Modern radiology ensures that the equipment used in specialist clinics emits a negligible amount of radiation, meaning it can even be used on pregnant women. Even so, digital X-rays are increasingly becoming the standard in the field. A study published by the NIH, the US government’s medical research agency, shows that 90% of dentists in Belgium use digital imaging techniques.

X-rays taken using the most modern techniques can be viewed on a computer screen and even zoomed in on, allowing for a more detailed analysis with greater precision. For the patient, the greatest advantage of digital X-rays is that the entire procedure takes no longer than five minutes. Technology is making great strides forward, so bringing dentistry in line with the latest trends is a logical consequence and, at the same time, a natural necessity.

Retroalveolar dental X-ray

As the most accessible of the dental examination methods that might be recommended to you, retroalveolar X-rays show the tooth in its entirety. This makes the crown, root and even the bone in which it is embedded visible. This examination may be indicated before or during microscopic root canal treatment to evaluate the roots and any potential infections.

To take this X-ray, the specialist will place the X-ray sensor directly in the patient’s mouth, using a sterile plastic holder. For a few seconds whilst remaining still, the patient has the radiographic image captured on film, so that the dentist can carry out the initial assessment required for the treatment plan. The retroalveolar X-ray will include up to three teeth adjacent to the one being examined, directly on the lower or upper jaw.

The usefulness of the X-ray does not end even once the treatment has been completed, as the dentist can also use it during the check-ups you will attend after the procedure, at intervals of three or six months.

Panoramic dental X-ray

If the condition of your teeth is not necessarily critical, and the dentist needs an overview, they may request a panoramic X-ray. This covers both dental arches, as well as the maxillary sinuses and mandibular canals. The procedure involves the patient wearing a lead apron and positioning themselves in front of the machine. A panoramic X-ray can be used as an initial diagnostic step when planning dental implant treatment; however, depending on the specific case, the dentist may also recommend a 3D CBCT scan. It also allows for the assessment of wisdom tooth positioning prior to determining the appropriate treatment plan.

This allows the machine to rotate around your head without unnecessarily exposing you to radiation directed at vital organs. After 20 seconds, during which the operator will ask you to remain still so that your movements do not interfere with the machine’s operation, the X-ray image is generated. It can be printed on film and even saved on a computer.

Occlusal dental X-ray

This type of dental X-ray is distinguished by a wider field of view compared to all others. The occlusal X-ray covers the entire dental arch, along with the upper jaw and lower jaw. The usefulness of this X-ray lies in detecting supernumerary teeth, teeth that have not yet erupted, as well as bone fractures or foreign objects, should the patient visit the clinic following an injury. The occlusal X-ray also identifies the presence of deep-seated cysts or abscesses.

Bite-wing dental X-ray

Like the retroalveolar X-ray, the bite-wing X-ray is an intraoral exposure. The distinctive feature of this type of dental X-ray is that the patient is asked to bite down on a device containing a small X-ray film. In this way, the crowns of the posterior teeth in the upper and lower jaws can be seen on the same X-ray, and the teeth are shown without overlapping. A bite-wing X-ray is also necessary when detecting dental caries in the contact areas between teeth and beneath fillings. Furthermore, the bite-wing X-ray can detect caries located solely in the tooth enamel.

Contrary to popular belief, dental X-rays do not affect the body to the same extent as other types of X-rays. During a standard dental X-ray, the patient is exposed to 5 microsieverts of radiation, whereas during a digital X-ray, the exposure is just 1 microsievert – a negligible amount with no significant long-term effects on health.

By comparison, the average daily dose of cosmic radiation that penetrates the Earth’s atmosphere and is absorbed by each of us ranges between 5 and 8 microsieverts. Modern technology means that even standard X-rays are now up to 80% less harmful than in the past. Fear of radiation is therefore no obstacle to regular dental check-ups, which you have every reason to take seriously.

Although the decision regarding the type of dental X-ray is ultimately the dentist’s, a good understanding of the different types of X-rays and their implications can help patients develop realistic expectations regarding their dental treatment.

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