Types of Dental X-Rays: A Guide to Understanding Different Procedures

Dental X-rays are an essential diagnostic tool that helps dentists identify issues like cavities, fractures, or gum disease. They allow for the examination of structures not visible during a standard visual exam, such as the jawbone, nerves, gum tissue, sinuses, and tooth roots. Nowadays, most dentists in the U.S. have shifted from traditional film X-rays to digital X-rays. This modern technology provides enhanced imaging quality, overcomes many limitations of traditional film, and is widely regarded as a safer option. 

Why Do I Need Dental X-rays?

Your dentist will take dental X-rays every year in order to get a clear picture of your overall oral health. In addition, they may be taken to help make a diagnosis if you’re experiencing a dental issue and to help determine the most effective treatment plan. Dental X-rays offer a high-quality image that allows your dentist to see even the smallest of tooth fractures and irregularities. X-ray machines are equipped with software that provides outstanding image definition and allows your dentist to zoom in or adjust contrast for an even better look.

Types of Dental X-Rays

X-rays can be classified into two main categories: intraoral, taken inside the mouth, and extraoral, taken outside the mouth. Each category includes several different types, each serving specific diagnostic purposes.

The different types of intraoral X-rays are:

• Bitewing

• Periapical

• Occlusal

The different types of extraoral X-rays are:

• Panoramic

• Cephalometric

• Cone beam

Intraoral X-Rays

Bitewing X-rays allow your dentist to detect decay between your teeth and just below the gum line. They capture images of the upper and lower teeth in a specific area of your mouth but typically do not show the roots of your teeth. 

Periapical X-rays help your dentist detect decay, gum disease, bone loss, and other significant abnormalities in the teeth and surrounding bone. They show the entire tooth, from the crown down to the root tip.

Occlusal X-rays help your dentist detect issues in the floor and roof of your mouth, and help to diagnose fractured teeth, impacted teeth, and problems with the front teeth roots. They can also detect cysts, abscesses, and jaw fractures.

Extraoral X-Rays

Panoramic X-rays offer a comprehensive view of your dental health. They capture a single, wide image that includes all the structures in your mouth, such as the upper and lower teeth, jaw joints, nerves, sinuses, and surrounding bone.

Cephalometric X-rays help a dentist or orthodontist plan treatment for correcting bites. They show the entire head from a side angle, demonstrating the position of teeth in relation to the jaw.

Cone beam is a type of CT scan that dental surgeons use to confirm the height, width, and location of the jawbone before a dental implant procedure. It captures 3D dental X-rays of the teeth, jaws, joints, nerves, and sinuses and can also detect tumors and facial fractures.

If you have additional questions about dental X-rays and the various types used, contact us.