Dental x-rays are essential, as they allow us to see things in the teeth that we can’t with our eyes. They give us vision in-between the teeth, which is where many cavities form, and under old fillings. If a patient has an old composite filling, we might not be able to see if there’s decay beneath without using an x-ray. Dental x-rays of a tooth and the root can also help determine if a patient has an infection. Other x-rays we take, like panoramic x-rays or cone-beam CTs, also let us look for pathology.
For example, last year, we found a giant cyst on a patient with a previous wisdom tooth extraction. The patient spent a day in the hospital to have the cyst surgically removed. If we hadn’t found the cyst, it could’ve grown and thinned the bone out, causing the patient to break their jaw. Without dental x-rays, we wouldn’t have known the cyst existed.
Certain types of restorations you can see through using dental x-rays. These include veneers and any restoration made of e-max, a glass material. We cannot see through any metal material, including amalgam fillings, gold crowns, porcelain fused to metal crowns, or zirconium crowns, because they are too opaque. However, we can still see under their margin where the crown ends, which is where the decay would be present.
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Types of Dental X-Rays
At Cedarwood Dentistry, we use four main types of x-rays for our patients:
- Bitewing: We use bitewing x-rays to see between the teeth and help look for decay.
- Periapical: Periapical x-rays show the whole tooth, including the apex (the end of the root).
- Panoramic: Panoramic x-rays offer a full view of the jaw, including both arches, the sinuses, and underneath the jaw from about the back of one ear to the other.
- Cone-Beam CT: The cone-beam CT goes around the patient’s head like a panoramic x-ray, but it uses multiple beams to make a 3D image.
We take bitewing and periapical x-rays with a digital sensor using a low radiation dose. For panoramic x-rays, we use a specific machine that travels around a patient’s head while standing. Although it’s still a low dose of radiation, the amount is slightly higher than that of a bitewing x-ray.
Safety of X-Rays: Are They Dangerous?
Many patients worry about the safety of dental x-rays, especially after getting x-rays on other parts of the body. However, dental x-rays are completely safe, as they use a very low amount of radiation. They’re an essential aspect of dental care as they allow us to see certain qualities or defects of the teeth that we might otherwise miss. For more information, the University of Michigan Dentistry Program has a chart that illustrates the amount of radiation in each type of dental x-ray.
Using X-Rays to Check for Conditions
We use dental x-rays to check for several conditions that we wouldn’t see otherwise, including:
- Infections
- Cavities
- Carotid artery calcifications
- Certain types of cancer that infiltrate the jawbone
- Other issues like cysts and lesions
Although spotting calcified carotid arteries is not common, affected patients are at risk for a stroke if the calcification breaks off. Affected patients usually have to get the calcification removed or treated by a cardiologist.
How Often Are Dental X-Rays Needed?
We usually take bitewings every one to two years for low-risk patients and at least every year for high-risk patients. Although we like taking panoramic x-rays every three years, most insurance companies are now changing coverage to only cover panoramic x-rays every five years.
Does Insurance Cover X-Rays?
Most insurances do cover x-rays, although there might be certain limitations. For example, if we need to take a panoramic x-ray of a patient because they have a jaw problem or issues with a wisdom tooth, sometimes that x-ray might not be covered if they’ve already had one within a certain amount of time.
Catch Up On X-Rays with Our Financing Plan
Although insurance covers most x-rays, not all patients have insurance, or they need additional x-rays that aren’t covered. Our Cedarwood Dentistry In-House Dental Financing Plan covers the cost of routine x-rays for participating patients. Plus, it includes two cleanings with exams, one emergency exam, and a 20% discount on all services. Reach out today to learn more and schedule an appointment!
At Cedarwood Dentistry, we cultivate dental health through personalized care. We offer a variety of dental services, including family dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, and emergency care in Midlothian, Virginia. Whether you last visited the dentist six months or six years ago, we can help bring your smile to life. Schedule your dentist appointment today by calling 804-379-9375.