Getty Images.Ī lateral cephalometric x-ray is used to capture a side-on view of your head and neck. Generally, full-mouth x-rays are not recommended as the main x-ray to be used for detecting tooth decay.Īn example panoramic x-ray. Your dentist may also ask to take additional x-rays of areas of the mouth they need to inspect closer. These x-rays provide a good overall view of your mouth. View how close the teeth sit to nerves, maxillary sinuses, and other facial structures.Review the development and location of wisdom teeth.Assess the stages of tooth development in children.Detect conditions such as cysts, tumours, and infections.Full-mouth dental x-rays allow dentists to: This type of dental x-ray includes a view of the temporomandibular (jaw) joints (TMJ), eye sockets, maxillary sinuses, bones of the maxillary (upper) and mandibular (lower) jaws and the teeth. Getty Images.Ī panoramic x-ray, which you may hear your dentist refer to as a ‘full-mouth x-ray’. Your dentist will ask for your consent to take the x-ray and should explain the reason it is needed.Īn example of a periapical x-ray. Some situations where your dentist may ask to take a periapical x-ray include if you have a sore tooth, before removing a tooth or before, during and after root canal treatment. Getty Images.Ī periapical x-ray is used to view an entire tooth including the root/s of the tooth and the bone surrounding it. This is usually based on how well you care for your teeth, your risk of developing tooth decay and/or gum disease, any current signs of disease and the status of your past dental treatment.Īn example of a bite wing x-ray. Your dentist will advise you how often these should be taken. They are most commonly used to look for tooth decay and examine the level of bone around the teeth. X-rays allow dentists to plan for dental procedures, such as fillings, dental implants, orthodontic treatment, denture fabrication, root canal treatment and removing a tooth (extraction).īite wing x-rays are used as part of general dental check-ups. Extra teeth, missing teeth, and teeth that are blocked from moving into the mouth, called impacted teeth.
Stages of tooth development including the timing of when teeth will push through into the mouth.The location of teeth in relation to nerves, sinuses, and other facial structures.Tooth and bone fractures following an accident or injury causing damage to the face or mouth.Bone lost from around teeth associated with severe gum disease.The type of x-ray your dentist takes will depend on the condition for which you are being assessed. This helps the dentist to detect diseases that may not be visible to the naked eye by a visual examination alone. Dentists take x-rays to assist them in seeing beneath the surface of the teeth and gums.