HOW LONG DO FULL MOUTH DENTAL X-RAYS TAKE?

The x-ray process is painless and usually takes 15 minutes or less to complete. Then your dentist or hygienist will help you position a lead apron around your torso. The apron limits the parts of your body that are exposed to the radiation in the x-rays. Your dentist or hygienist will then take a series of x-rays, asking you to bite down on the imaging device in different positions.

ARE DENTAL X-RAYS SAFE?

Yes. Dental x-rays are safe for all people, including those who are pregnant. The amount of radiation used is very low and is not significant enough to increase your cancer risk or cause birth defects. Even so, precautions are taken like using the lead apron over your body to limit your exposure.

Always let your dentist know if you are pregnant. You can decline x-rays if you wish, but it’s important not to let pregnancy make you skip a dental visit. If you are pregnant, you may need additional preventative care like scaling and planning, due to hormonal changes that affect your gums and increase your risk of gum disease.

5 Types of Dental X-rays

Bitewing X-rays

A bitewing x-ray focuses on a specific area of your mouth and is commonly requested during dental check-ups. It captures the exposed parts of both your upper and lower teeth along with half of their roots and supporting bone. These x-rays are valuable for dentists to detect decay, especially between teeth, and to monitor changes in your jawbone due to gum disease.

The process of taking bitewing x-rays involves either traditional or digital methods. With traditional x-rays, you'll bite down on a piece of plastic holding the x-ray film against your teeth. If digital x-rays are used, you'll bite down on a small box wrapped in plastic. Both methods provide detailed images for dentists to assess your oral health accurately.

Periapical X-rays

A periapical x-ray provides a comprehensive view of an entire tooth, capturing everything from the chewing surface (crown) to the root below the gum line. Each periapical x-ray focuses on a small section of either your upper or lower teeth, aiding in the detection of any abnormalities in the root and surrounding bone structures.

During the process of taking periapical x-rays, a film is positioned near your mouth using a metal rod with an attached ring. You'll be asked to bite down firmly on the device to maintain its position and ensure a clear x-ray image.

Full Mouth Survey X-rays

A full mouth survey x-ray comprises a series of individual images, typically including a combination of bitewing and periapical x-rays. These x-rays are commonly taken when you're a new patient at your dentist's office to establish a baseline for your oral health. Additionally, full mouth x-rays are used when investigating conditions like jaw cysts or tumors. They are also essential for extensive dental procedures such as root canals, extractions, and treating gum disease.

The process of taking full mouth survey x-rays involves asking you to undergo both bitewing and periapical x-rays, as described earlier. These images collectively provide a comprehensive view of your entire mouth, aiding dentists in diagnosing and planning necessary treatments.

Panoramic X-rays

Panoramic x-rays, similar to panoramic photos, capture images of your entire mouth area, showcasing fully emerged, emerging, and impacted teeth in a single image.

During the process of taking panoramic x-rays, you'll be instructed to bite down on a "bite blocker" to maintain tooth alignment and ensure a clear image. Subsequently, a rotating arm on the x-ray machine sweeps in a semi-circle around your head, capturing detailed images of your mouth.

Occlusal X-rays

Occlusal x-rays are utilized to monitor the growth and positioning of a specific section or the entire arch of teeth in either the upper or lower jaw. They are particularly valuable for pediatric dentists in identifying children's teeth that have not erupted through the gums.

The procedure for taking occlusal x-rays is quite similar to that of a bitewing x-ray, as described earlier.