Understanding Dental X-Rays: Safe & Important for Your Health
When you visit the dentist, you might wonder about those dental x-rays they want to take. Are they really necessary? Are they safe? These are great questions that many patients ask us at our Milwaukee and Grafton offices.
Dental x-rays help your dentist see things that aren't visible during a regular exam. Think of them like a window into what's happening inside your teeth and jaw. Just like you can't see inside a wrapped present, your dentist can't see everything going on in your mouth without these special pictures.
Why Your Dentist Needs Dental X-Rays
Your teeth might look perfectly fine on the outside, but problems can hide underneath. Dental x-rays help find issues early, before they become big problems that hurt or cost more to fix.
Here's what x-rays can show your dentist:
- Small cavities between teeth
- Problems with tooth roots
- Bone loss around teeth
- Cysts or tumors
- Problems with existing dental work
- Issues with tooth development in children
Many patients in Cedarburg and Mequon are surprised to learn they have cavities when their teeth don't hurt at all. That's because decay often starts in places you can't see or feel until it gets bigger.
Are Dental X-Rays Really Safe?
This is probably the biggest worry people have. The good news is that modern dental x-rays use very small amounts of radiation. We're talking about much less radiation than you get from a cross-country airplane flight or even spending a day in the sun.
At Sweet Smiles Family Dentistry, we use digital x-ray technology in both our Milwaukee and Grafton locations. Digital x-rays use significantly less radiation than old-style film x-rays — studies show reductions of roughly 40–60%. Plus, they're faster and give us clearer pictures to help with your care.
Your dentist will always use a lead apron to protect your body during x-rays. Pregnant women should let their dentist know about their pregnancy, and the dentist can decide if x-rays can wait or if extra protection is needed.
How Often Do You Need Dental X-Rays?
This depends on your individual situation. Some people need x-rays more often than others. Your dentist looks at several things when deciding:
- Your age
- Your oral health history
- Risk factors for dental problems
- Signs and symptoms you might have
Kids often need x-rays more frequently because their teeth are still growing and changing. Adults with good oral health might only need them every couple of years. People with gum disease or a history of cavities might need them more often.
If you're new to our practice in Port Washington or Thiensville area, we might take a full set of x-rays to get a complete picture of your oral health. This becomes your baseline that we can compare to in future visits.
Different Types of Dental X-Rays
Not all dental x-rays are the same. Your dentist might use different types depending on what they need to see:
Bitewing x-rays show the tops of your upper and lower back teeth. These are great for finding cavities between teeth and checking the bone level around your teeth.
Periapical x-rays show the whole tooth from the crown to the root tip. These help check for problems with the tooth root or surrounding bone.
Panoramic x-rays give a big picture view of all your teeth, jaw joints, and sinuses. These are helpful for checking wisdom teeth or planning treatments.
Your dentist will choose the right type of x-ray based on what they need to check. Sometimes they might need more than one type to get all the information they need.
What to Expect During Dental X-Rays
Getting dental x-rays is quick and easy. The dental assistant will position a small sensor or film in your mouth and ask you to bite down gently. You'll need to stay very still for just a few seconds while the x-ray is taken.
The process doesn't hurt, though some people find the sensor a bit uncomfortable in their mouth. If you have a strong gag reflex, let your dental team know. They have techniques to help make you more comfortable.
Digital x-rays show up on the computer screen right away, so your dentist can review them with you during your visit. This means you can see exactly what they're looking at and ask questions about your oral health.
Remember, your dentist only recommends x-rays when the benefits outweigh any risks. They want to give you the best care possible while keeping you safe and comfortable.
Ready for Your Next Dental Visit?
Don't let concerns about x-rays keep you from getting the dental care you need. Our team at Sweet Smiles Family Dentistry is happy to answer any questions you have about x-rays or any other part of your dental care.
We accept Medicaid and work with many insurance plans to help make dental care affordable for families throughout the Milwaukee area. Call our Grafton office at (262) 377-0807 or our Milwaukee office at (414) 808-2003 to schedule your appointment. You can also request an appointment online.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I refuse dental x-rays?
A: Yes, you can refuse x-rays, but this might limit your dentist's ability to diagnose problems early. Talk with your dentist about your concerns so they can explain why they're recommending x-rays for your specific situation.
Q: How long do dental x-rays take?
A: Most dental x-rays take just a few minutes. Bitewing x-rays usually take about 5-10 minutes total, while a full mouth series might take 15-20 minutes.
Q: Do children need dental x-rays?
A: Yes, children often need x-rays to check how their teeth are developing and to find cavities that might be hiding between teeth. The dentist will only take x-rays when necessary for your child's care.
This article is for informational purposes only. Please consult your dentist for personalized advice.
About the Author
Dr. Praveena Muddana earned her dental degree at the New York University College of Dentistry and stays abreast of the latest developments in her field through continuing education coursework. She is proud to be a member of the American Dental Association, the Wisconsin Dental Association, and the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. Her offices in Milwaukee and Grafton offer general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry. To schedule your next checkup, contact her online.