Are Dental X-rays Painful?

Dental X-rays are generally quick and painless. The only thing you may notice is a little discomfort from holding the sensor or biting down on a small device, especially if you have a s mall mouth or a strong gag reflex. However, this discomfort only lasts a few seconds and is manageable. If you feel too uncomfortable, let your dentist know—they may be able to make it easier for you, like using a smaller sensor or adjusting the angle.

Can I Have Dental X-rays If I’m Pregnant?

Dental X-rays are generally considered safe during pregnancy. The amount of radiation is low and not strong enough to harm your fetus. Plus, dentists take extra precautions and give you a lead apron and a thyroid collar to protect you even more. However, it's important to inform your dentist if you are pregnant. This allows them to take necessary precautions and determine the best course of action for your dental care.

What Problems Can Dental X-rays Detect?

Dental X-rays can detect issues such as cavities, which are small holes in your teeth caused by decay, and general tooth decay that damages the surface or inside of a tooth. They can also help identify impacted teeth that haven't come through the gums properly, like some wisdom teeth, as well as bone loss around your teeth, often due to gum disease. Additionally, X-rays can spot abscesses or cysts—infected or fluid-filled sacs near tooth roots or in the jawbone—and detect unusual growths like tumours, which can be either cancerous or non-cancerous. They are also useful for spotting developmental abnormalities in how your teeth and jaw are forming, identifying poor tooth and root positions that may need correction, and uncovering hidden problems inside a tooth or below the gum line, such as deep decay or infections that aren't visible during a regular exam.

What’s the Difference Between Digital and Traditional X-rays?

The main difference between digital and traditional X-rays is they capture and process images. Traditional X-rays use film, like an old-fashioned camera, which takes longer to develop and needs more radiation. Digital X-rays, on the other hand, use a sensor to capture images instantly, which means less waiting time, lower radiation exposure, and clearer pictures that can be enhanced on a computer. Digital X-rays are also better for the environment since they don’t need chemicals to develop. Overall, digital X-rays are faster, safer, and more efficient, which is why most dentists prefer them today.

How Do Dental X-rays Affect Fillings and Crowns?

Dental X-rays won’t damage your fillings or crowns, but they’re really helpful for making sure they’re still in good shape. They can show if there are tiny gaps between the filling or crown and your natural tooth, which could let bacteria in and cause decay. X-rays also help dentists spot hidden problems underneath, like a cavity forming under a filling or a weakening tooth under a crown. Sometimes, metal fillings or crowns can block parts of the X-ray, but dentists use different angles to get a clear view. Getting regular X-rays helps catch issues early so your fillings and crowns last longer and keep your teeth healthy.

How Long Do Dental X-ray Results Take?

Dental X-ray results are usually ready soon after they are taken, especially if your dentist uses digital X-rays. As soon as the image is taken, it appears on the screen and allows the dentist to check your teeth and explain what they see right away. If your dentist uses traditional film X-rays, it might take a few minutes since the film needs to be developed. In some cases, like when a specialist needs to review the X-ray, it could take a few days. But for regular check-ups, you’ll most likely get your results on the spot.

March 1, 2025

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Dental X-Rays

Dental X-rays are an essential tool in modern dentistry that helps your dentists see what’s happening beneath the surface of your gums and teeth. They help your Perth dentist find dental problems early, like cavities or infections, so they can be treated before they become more serious.

In this article, we have tried to explain everything you need to know about dental X-rays, from the types of X-rays to how often they should be taken to keep you well-informed.

What Are Dental X-Rays?

Dental X-rays are special images that help your dentist see what’s happening inside your mouth, like under your gums and between your teeth. They are useful and necessary in dental care because they can help catch problems early, such as cavities, gum disease, or even some infections that may not be visible just by looking in your mouth.

These images are taken quickly in your dentist’s office using a small amount of radiation to get clear pictures of your teeth and gums. These images help your dentist understand what’s going on inside your mouth and come up with the best way to take care of your teeth and gums. Whether it’s checking on the new teeth that are coming through, making sure fillings are in good shape, or just getting a full view of your dental health, X-rays provide your dentist with important information and help keep your smile healthy.

How Do Dental X-Rays Work?

Dental X-rays work by sending a small amount of radiation through your mouth to take images of your teeth and bones. This radiation passes through the softer tissues in your mouth, like your gums and cheeks, but gets absorbed by harder parts, like your teeth and bones. In the X-ray, your teeth and bones look white and softer areas like your gums and cheeks appear darker. This helps your dentist get a clear picture of your mouth. During the X-ray, your dentist may ask you to bite down on a small, flat piece of plastic to make sure the images come out just right.

Types of Dental X-Rays

There are several types of dental X-rays, and each one helps your dentist check a specific part of your mouth. Here’s a quick look at what each type of X-ray does:

Bitewing X-Rays

Bitewing X-rays show the upper and lower back teeth in one view. Your dentist uses them to check for cavities between your teeth and to see if your bite is properly aligned. They can also help spot bone loss caused by serious gum disease or infections.

Periapical X-Rays

Your dentist uses periapical X-rays to get a detailed picture of your whole tooth, from root to crown. They can help dentists find problems or abnormalities in the roots of teeth and the surrounding bone.

Panoramic X-Rays

Panoramic X-rays show your entire mouth in one picture. They are useful for planning treatments, such as braces, tooth extractions, and implants. Panoramic X-rays show more than just the teeth; they also capture your sinuses and jawbones. These types of X-rays give a broad view of your mouth, which can help your dentist plan treatments more effectively. Additionally, panoramic X-rays can help your dentist evaluate your wisdom teeth and figure out their position, their development, and whether they may be impacted and need to be extracted.

For more information about wisdom teeth, go to our comprehensive guide on wisdom teeth removal in Perth.

Occlusal X-Rays

Occlusal X-rays help your dentist see how all the teeth in either the upper or lower jaw are growing and positioned. These X-rays are larger and show the full development and placement of teeth, which makes them useful for spotting extra teeth, teeth that haven’t come in yet, jaw fractures, a cleft in the roof of the mouth, or cysts and abscesses.

Cephalometric Projections

Cephalometric X-rays take a side-view picture of your face and show how your teeth line up with your jaw and facial profile. Dentists use these X-rays mainly for planning orthodontic treatments. They help orthodontists see how your teeth should be aligned in relation to your jawbone for the best possible fit.

Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT)

Cone Beam CT (CBCT) takes a 3D picture of your teeth, bones, nerves, and soft tissues all in one scan. These detailed images help dentists plan treatments more accurately.

Safety First: Understanding Radiation Exposure

Low Radiation Levels: Dental X-rays use a low level of radiation to create images of your teeth and gums, which is safe for both adults and children.

Benefits Outweigh Risks: The small amount of radiation used in dental X-rays is valuable because it helps catch problems early so they don’t turn into bigger issues later.

Targeted Imaging: Modern dental X-ray machines only scan the areas that need to be checked, so you get less unnecessary exposure to radiation.

Minimising Risks with Guided Use

Dentists are very careful with X-rays and will only use them when it is absolutely needed to check or keep track of a dental issue. This helps limit your exposure to radiation and still gives important information about your dental health. Even though radiation may sound scary, dental X-rays are used in a safe and controlled way and can really help your dentist keep your mouth healthy.

How Often Should You Have Dental X-Rays?

How often you need dental X-rays really depends on your oral health. If your teeth and gums are in good shape and you don’t have a history of recurrent dental problems, you may only need X-rays every two to three years. But if you’ve had issues like cavities or gum disease before, your dentist may suggest getting dental X-rays more often, maybe even every six months.

Unlock Better Dental Health Today

Regular imaging can help your dentist catch potential issues early and ensure your teeth and gums are in top condition. Book your appointment now (08) 9474 5083 and take the first step towards a healthier, brighter smile. We are a Medibank preferred provider, HBF preferred provider, HCF preferred provider, NIB preferred provider, and Bupa preferred provider dentist in Perth.

Let us help you maintain perfect oral health with state-of-the-art dental care tailored to your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are Dental X-rays Painful?
Dental X-rays are generally quick and painless. The only thing you may notice is a little discomfort from holding the sensor or biting down on a small device, especially if you have a small mouth or a strong gag reflex. However, this discomfort only lasts a few seconds and is manageable. If you feel too uncomfortable, let your dentist know—they may be able to make it easier for you, like using a smaller sensor or adjusting the angle.
2. Can I Have Dental X-rays If I’m Pregnant?
Dental X-rays are generally considered safe during pregnancy. The amount of radiation is low and not strong enough to harm your fetus. Plus, dentists take extra precautions and give you a lead apron and a thyroid collar to protect you even more. However, it's important to inform your dentist if you are pregnant. This allows them to take necessary precautions and determine the best course of action for your dental care.
3. What Problems Can Dental X-rays Detect?
Dental X-rays can detect issues such as cavities, which are small holes in your teeth caused by decay, and general tooth decay that damages the surface or inside of a tooth. They can also help identify impacted teeth that haven't come through the gums properly, like some wisdom teeth, as well as bone loss around your teeth, often due to gum disease. Additionally, X-rays can spot abscesses or cysts—infected or fluid-filled sacs near tooth roots or in the jawbone—and detect unusual growths like tumours, which can be either cancerous or non-cancerous. They are also useful for spotting developmental abnormalities in how your teeth and jaw are forming, identifying poor tooth and root positions that may need correction, and uncovering hidden problems inside a tooth or below the gum line, such as deep decay or infections that aren't visible during a regular exam.
4. What’s the Difference Between Digital and Traditional X-rays?
The main difference between digital and traditional X-rays is they capture and process images. Traditional X-rays use film, like an old-fashioned camera, which takes longer to develop and needs more radiation. Digital X-rays, on the other hand, use a sensor to capture images instantly, which means less waiting time, lower radiation exposure, and clearer pictures that can be enhanced on a computer. Digital X-rays are also better for the environment since they don’t need chemicals to develop. Overall, digital X-rays are faster, safer, and more efficient, which is why most dentists prefer them today.
5. How Do Dental X-rays Affect Fillings and Crowns?
Dental X-rays won’t damage your fillings or crowns, but they’re really helpful for making sure they’re still in good shape. They can show if there are tiny gaps between the filling or crown and your natural tooth, which could let bacteria in and cause decay. X-rays also help dentists spot hidden problems underneath, like a cavity forming under a filling or a weakening tooth under a crown. Sometimes, metal fillings or crowns can block parts of the X-ray, but dentists use different angles to get a clear view. Getting regular X-rays helps catch issues early so your fillings and crowns last longer and keep your teeth healthy.
6. How Long Do Dental X-ray Results Take?
Dental X-ray results are usually ready soon after they are taken, especially if your dentist uses digital X-rays. As soon as the image is taken, it appears on the screen and allows the dentist to check your teeth and explain what they see right away.
If your dentist uses traditional film X-rays, it might take a few minutes since the film needs to be developed. In some cases, like when a specialist needs to review the X-ray, it could take a few days. But for regular check-ups, you’ll most likely get your results on the spot.

Dental X-Rays: What You Need To Know

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