Everything you need to know about dental X-rays

Are you afraid of going to the dentist? You are not alone. Many people are afraid of dental exams and procedures, including dental x-rays. Yet dental x-rays are a key tool in modern dentistry, helping us to detect problems that would otherwise remain hidden. In this article, you'll learn everything you need to know about dental x-rays, from their importance to specific types of imaging.

What is a dental X-ray and how does it work?

A dental X-ray is a diagnostic method that uses X-rays (= electromagnetic) to take pictures of your teeth, jaws and surrounding structures. It is essential for identifying many dental problems that are not visible to the naked eye. 

There are two main types of X-rays:

• Intraoral (in the mouth): most common, provides detailed images of individual teeth.
• Extraoral (outside the mouth): Includes images of the entire jaw or skull and is useful for overall assessment.

Dental X-rays are now usually digital, i.e. taken with digital sensors and a computer. Their undeniable advantage is that they use 80 to 90% less radiation than traditional dental X-ray machines.

In numbers we are talking about about 5 microsieverts (µSv) per intraoral image. In comparison, one hour of airplane flight will expose you to approximately 30 to 100 microsieverts (µSv), which is about 6 to 20 times higher than one dental x-ray. 

What does a dental X-ray reveal?

An X-ray of the teeth helps to reveal:

• Dental cavities, especially small areas of decay between teeth
• Decay under existing fillings
• Bone loss in the jaw (e.g. due to gum disease)
• Areas of infection
• Position of unerupted or knocked-out teeth
• Cysts and some types of tumours
• Infections in the roots of the teeth or in the jaw
• Abnormal developmental patterns in children

Dentists also use X-rays to determine your eligibility for treatments such as dental implants, braces or dentures. X-rays also help dentists check healing after certain procedures.

How is a dental X-ray performed?

A classic bitewing dental x-ray is a quick and painless process.

1. Preparation: first, take off any metal objects that could affect the image - earrings, piercings and other metals you have in the vicinity of the area to be imaged. 
2. Taking X-rays: In the vast majority of cases, X-rays are taken in the office. You sit down in the chair, whereupon the dentist puts an X-ray to your jaw and asks you to remain still. He then takes an X-ray. During the taking process, a beam of radiation passes through the soft tissues and produces images of the desired area. 
3. Results: the images are immediately available and the dentist can discuss them with you right away.

How often do I need dental x-rays?

The frequency of X-rays depends mainly on the tendency of your teeth to decay. The Czech Dental Chamber recommends repeating bite scans once every 1-3 years as part of a regular preventive check-up. 

Dental X-ray in children

X-ray of children's teeth has its own specifics. Children's teeth are smaller and still developing, children's bones are thinner and not as strong. Therefore, you only need less radiation to get the same quality image of a child as an adult. 

Dental X-rays in children are essential for monitoring the growth and development of the teeth and for early identification of potential problems such as decay or improper tooth development.

Panoramic dental X-ray (OPG)

Panoramic dental x-rays (OPG) provide a wide-angle view of the entire jaw and include the entire tooth and roots (which a conventional bitewing x-ray cannot do). One scan can provide more information. 

This type of X-ray is particularly useful when planning orthodontic procedures or looking for hidden problems. However, its frequency is not as frequent as bitewing images. 

The price of a panoramic dental X-ray is around 800-1,500 CZK.

3D dental X-ray

A 3D X-ray (sometimes called a CBCT X-ray) uses advanced technology to create a three-dimensional image of your jaw and teeth. This type of imaging offers a more detailed view and is particularly useful for complex diagnosis and planning surgical procedures. 

The price of a 3D dental X-ray is around CZK 2,000-4,000, but the benefit of accurate diagnosis is invaluable.

Kephalometric X-ray

A kephalometric X-ray is a special type of X-ray used primarily in orthodontics and dentistry to provide a detailed 2D view of the skull and jaws. This image allows doctors to analyse the relative position of the teeth, jaws and skull, which is crucial when planning orthodontic treatment - for example, when fitting braces. The images also allow you to compare results before and after treatment.

Dental X-ray: price

The cost of dental x-rays varies by type of image and region. In general:

• Intraoral X-ray costs around 200 - 500 CZK.
• Extraoral X-ray can cost 500 - 4 000 CZK, depending on the type:
  • Panoramic X-ray costs between 800 - 1 500 CZK.
  • A 3D X-ray can cost CZK 2,000 - 4,000.
  • Kephalometric X-ray ranges from 500 to 1 500 CZK.

Is dental X-ray safe?

The risk of radiation in dental X-rays is relatively small. In fact, the amount of radiation your body absorbs from one set (about 4 images) of dental X-rays is comparable to the amount of radiation you absorb from, for example:

• 40-minute plane ride;
• half a year of watching TV;
• radiation from the sun, stars and the Earth itself in 1-2 days.

What to take away from the article?

Dental X-rays are an indispensable tool in modern dentistry, helping to detect and treat hidden problems. Whether for children or adults, regular X-rays are part of maintaining healthy teeth.

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