Most of us know that keeping up with regular dental check-ups is important. But have you ever wondered why your dentist sometimes recommends an X-ray, especially when your teeth feel perfectly fine? I know I did. At one of my visits, I found myself asking that very question. Turns out, dental imaging helps dentists see what’s happening beneath the surface, picking up potential problems long before you’d feel any symptoms.
In this guide, I’ll share why dental X-rays matter, the different types you might encounter, and what to expect at your appointment — all based on my own experiences in the dental chair.
Why dentists use X-rays in oral care
At one of my early adult dentist visits, my dentist suggested an X-ray despite everything appearing to be fine. Of course, I asked why. The reply was straightforward: most dental problems emerge silently, with no pain or outward indication in the early stages.
Dental X-rays help uncover things like:
- Tooth decay is hidden between teeth
- Bone loss related to gum disease
- Infections at the roots of teeth
- Cysts, tumours, or impacted teeth
- Abnormalities in how teeth are developing (especially in kids and teens)
Without X-rays, these issues might not be noticed until they are painful or need more involved care. In my situation, a small cavity between two molars was detected early on an X-ray, preventing me from eventually needing a root canal.
Are dental X-rays safe?
It's a perfectly reasonable question — and one that I had, as well. Is it safe to have dental X-rays done every so often?
The silver lining is that contemporary X-ray equipment is very safe. Digital systems today utilise a small percentage of the radiation that was used by older film-based equipment. For perspective: you receive more radiation on a trip from Sydney to Perth than from a round of standard dental X-rays.
Plus, Australian dentists follow strict guidelines around dental radiation safety. They only recommend X-rays when necessary, and protective gear like lead aprons is used where appropriate. Your dentist will also personalise how often you need them, depending on your oral health and history.
If you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or have any other health considerations, be sure to mention this to your dentist so they can adjust your care accordingly.
Common types of dental X-rays
Which X-ray your dentist recommends depends on what they need to check. Here are a few common types — I’ve had most of these myself:
Bitewing X-rays — Often done during routine check-ups to look for cavities between teeth and monitor bone levels. I usually get these once a year.
Periapical X-rays — Focus on one or two teeth, showing the entire tooth from crown to root. My dentist used these when I had sensitivity in a back tooth.
Panoramic X-rays — Show a full picture of your mouth, jaw joints, sinuses, and developing teeth. I had one before my wisdom teeth were removed — super helpful for planning the surgery.
Occlusal X-rays — Show the floor or roof of your mouth and help detect extra teeth, cysts, or jaw problems.
How often should you have dental X-rays?
“How often do I need X-rays?” That’s a question I asked my dentist early on, and the answer is that it depends.
There’s no set rule for everyone. Your age, oral health, risk factors, and any current symptoms all play a role. Generally speaking:
- Children may need more frequent X-rays to monitor growth and tooth development
- Healthy adults might only need X-rays every two to three years
- Those with ongoing dental issues or undergoing treatment may need them more regularly
Your dentist will customise this for you. During my dental check-up and cleaning, my dentist always reviews my history and decides whether new X-rays are needed. It’s not a one-size-fits-all situation.
What happens during a dental X-ray appointment?
If you’re new to dental X-rays or it’s been a while, here’s what typically happens:
First, the dental assistant will get you ready — you might wear a protective apron, and they’ll ask you to remove any jewellery that could interfere with the images.
Next, they’ll position either a small sensor in your mouth or use a panoramic machine that circles your head. The image itself only takes a few seconds, and modern equipment makes it quick and comfortable.
After the images are captured, your dentist will review them with you on the screen. I always find it fascinating to see the inside of my mouth! It helps me understand what’s going on and makes it easier to follow any treatment advice.
Why dental X-rays are key to preventative care
Preventative dental care isn’t just about cleaning and check-ups — imaging plays a major role too. Here’s why I now see dental X-rays as a must-have part of my health routine:
- They spot problems before you feel pain
- They monitor how previous treatments (like fillings or crowns) are holding up
- They catch hidden infections early
- They give your dentist a baseline to track changes over time
I’ll admit — once, I delayed having an X-ray for a year. When we finally took it, we discovered early signs of bone loss around one tooth. Because we caught it early, I avoided much more serious periodontal treatment.
Final thoughts: A small step with big benefits
I understand — dental X-rays might feel like “just another extra” when you’re at your appointment. But in my experience, they’re one of the most valuable tools your dentist has to keep your smile healthy long-term.
Think of them like a map: while your dentist can see the surface of your teeth, X-rays reveal what’s going on underneath. That allows small issues to be addressed before they become major (and expensive) problems.
If you’ve got an upcoming dental check-up and clean, chat with your dentist about whether X-rays would be helpful for you. It’s a quick, simple step that could make a big difference in keeping your teeth healthy for years to come.