Dental radiographs, or x-rays, are a very important part of your regular dental checkups. However, some people worry about the radiation involved in the imaging process. The good news? Dental x-rays are even safer than you might realize.
All x-rays are formed by using small amounts of electromagnetic radiation to create images. Dense tissues, like teeth and bone, absorb more radiation than soft tissues, air, and cavities. This absorption pattern creates a black and white image that features the dense tissues in white and soft tissues (or empty space) in black.
But what about the radiation? Is getting dental x-rays worth the exposure?
In short: YES! Dental x-rays are totally safe, and their benefits far outweigh the minimal risks involved.
The Benefits of Dental X-Rays
Dental x-rays are extremely important for monitoring your oral health and detecting unseen problems. They help us treat small problems before they turn into big, expensive ones. We use them to do things like pinpoint the reason behind your jaw pain, check on the progress of your orthodontic treatment, or find hidden cavities.
What Kinds of Things Can Dental X-Rays Detect?
- Radiographs help us pinpoint decay that is not visible on the surface. Decay can often take hold below the gumline or inside a tooth where you cannot see it.
- X-rays also show us if there has been any bone loss in your jaw. Loss of bone density can lead to problems with chewing, speaking, and tooth loss.
- They help us find areas with infections. Oral infections can be dangerous if they are not treated promptly. Not only can they be painful, but they may also spread throughout your body, wreaking havoc as they go.
- X-rays show us dental abscesses, cysts, and even tumors. While they may start small, these problems can have huge impacts on your health, and identifying them early on is crucial for successful treatment.
- Our imaging tools also help us analyze complex problems like impacted wisdom teeth, or assess the position of your teeth during Invisalign treatment.
How Often Do I Need Dental X-Rays?
Dental x-rays are recommended at least once every year for most people. If you’re proactive about your oral health and you’re not experiencing any dental pain, you will only need one set of x-rays a year.
Those who are prone to tooth decay or undergoing orthodontic procedures may need one or two extra scans during the year. And some treatments, like root canals, crowns, or dental implants—will require x-rays as well.
But Are Dental X-Rays Really Safe?
Yes! Dental x-rays are perfectly safe. They emit far less radiation than most computers, mobile phones, and microwaves. While there are negative effects associated with prolonged radiation exposure, as long as you are not undergoing daily dental x-rays, they will not cause you any harm.
Recent research into the newer forms of dental x-rays shows that they are now so safe that a leaded cape and collar is no longer even needed. So if the thought of getting draped in that heavy apron makes you nervous, you don’t need to worry any more.
What About During Pregnancy?
Dental x-rays are concentrated on the head of the pregnant person, which means there is very little risk to the fetus. However, many patients decide to forgo routine x-rays until after delivery as a precautionary measure. Unless you have extreme tooth pain, are noticing significant decay, or have other major oral concerns, it is all right to wait until after the baby comes.
Dental Imaging in Flagstaff, Arizona
At Country Club Dental, we usually take new x-rays once a year, to monitor the state of your dental health. If you’re worried about getting x-rays, please let us know! We can answer all of your questions and put your mind at ease. And if it’s been more than a year since your last set of radiographs, it’s time to schedule an exam.
If you need dental care in Flagstaff, Dr. Paul Whitney is here to help.
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (8/4/25). Photo by Jonathan Borba on Unsplash
