Types Of Dental X-Rays

Have you ever wondered what the different types of dental X-rays are and why each one is used? Here’s a closer look at three of the most common types.

Bitewing X-Rays

These are the ones where you bite down on a piece of dental film before the x-ray is taken. These are an intraoral X-ray because the film is inside of the mouth. Typically, there will be an X-ray taken for each of the four quadrants of the mouth.

Bitewing X-rays help to give the dental professional a clear view of the spaces between the teeth, which are difficult to see with the naked eye. With these images, tooth decay and cavities are easier to detect.

Periapical X-Rays

This intraoral X-ray takes closeup images. If one specific tooth or area in your mouth is uncomfortable or painful, a periapical X-ray will help your dentist get a clear idea of the issues. Sometimes they are taken in conjunction with bitewing x-rays to give your dentist a clearer picture of what is going on inside your mouth, whether or not you are experiencing any obvious problems.

Panoramic X-Rays

A panoramic X-ray is the most common dental X-ray taken.

These X-Rays help us see your entire mouth in one image due to the fact that the camera is traveling all the way around your head while the picture is being taken. These X-rays reveal incoming adult teeth and wisdom teeth, and we can see if any of them are impacted. This is how your dentist will determine if there’s enough room for these incoming teeth and whether or not they’ll come in on their own. Panoramic X-rays also help detect the presence of tumors, abscesses, and cysts.

Early Warnings For Oral Health

All types of X-rays are tools we use to help us identify dental problems in their early stages, even before the patient knows there is a problem. That’s why it is so important that you see your dentist regularly for cleanings and dental exams.