Dental X-rays help your dentist see problems that cannot be spotted just by looking inside your mouth.

They can show:

• Tooth decay that is hidden under the enamel.
• Infections at the root of a tooth.
• Bone loss caused by gum disease.
• The position of wisdom teeth.
• In children, where adult teeth are developing under the gums.

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Why might I need a dental X-ray?

Your dentist may recommend an X-ray if:

• You have tooth pain or swelling.
• They suspect decay between teeth.
• They need to check gum and bone health.
• They are planning treatment, such as braces, fillings or extractions.

X-rays help find problems early, when they are easier to treat.

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How often are dental X-rays taken?

How often you need X-rays depends on your age, oral health and risk of problems.

In general:

• Many people have routine X-rays every 2–3 years.
• People at higher risk of decay or gum disease may need them more often.
• Children may need X-rays to check developing teeth.

Your dentist will only take X-rays when they are needed.

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Are dental X-rays safe?

Yes. Dental X-rays use a very small amount of radiation.

To put this into perspective:

• You are exposed to more radiation every day from natural sources, such as the environment.
• A dental X-ray gives a very low dose compared to medical scans or air travel.

Dentists follow strict safety guidelines to keep exposure as low as possible.

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Types of dental X-rays

There are several types of dental X-rays, depending on what your dentist needs to see.

Small (bitewing or periapical) X-rays

These are the most common. They show:

• A few teeth at a time.
• Tooth roots.
• Surrounding bone and gums.

Panoramic (OPG) X-rays

These show:

• The whole mouth in one image.
• All teeth, jaws and supporting bone.
• Wisdom teeth and jaw problems.

Medium-sized X-rays

These focus on:

• One jaw.
• One side of the face.

Digital X-rays

Many practices now use digital systems. These:

• Show images instantly on a screen.
• Use even lower radiation levels.
• Allow dentists to zoom in for detail.

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What if I am pregnant?

Always tell your dentist if:

• You are pregnant.
• You think you might be pregnant.

Your dentist will:

• Avoid X-rays where possible.
• Be especially cautious during the first three months.
• Only take an X-ray if it is essential for your care.

If you have questions about dental X-rays, speak to your dental team — they’ll be happy to explain why one is recommended and what it shows.