The Essential Role of X-Rays in Your Dental Checkup

You’ve scheduled your regular dental checkup at Freshdental, ready for a scale and polish and a quick examination. Then, your dental clinician suggests taking a set of dental x-rays. It is a common part of preventative dental care, but many UK patients wonder: Are they truly necessary? And what exactly are they looking for?

Simply put, dental x-rays are an indispensable diagnostic tool to see what is hidden beneath the surface of your teeth and gums. Without them, many serious dental issues would go undetected until they became painful, expensive, and much harder to treat.

At Freshdental in Bayswater, London, we use modern digital X-ray technology to ensure a low dose of radiation and a clear, immediate picture of your oral health, making them a cornerstone of effective preventative dentistry.

Why X-rays See What the Naked Eye Cannot

A visual examination by your clinician focuses on the surface of your teeth, gums, and soft tissues. This is crucial for checking existing fillings, looking for obvious cavities, and screening for gum recession or oral cancer.

However, many common and serious dental problems develop in areas that are impossible to see:

• Between the Teeth: This is where many cavities, known as interproximal decay, first begin. The sides of the teeth press together tightly, hiding decay from a physical probe.
• Beneath Existing Fillings or Crowns: Decay can sometimes start underneath or around the edges of old restorations.
• Inside the Tooth: X-rays reveal the pulp chamber and root canals, helping to diagnose infections or abscesses.
• In the Jawbone: They are essential for assessing the bone level supporting your teeth, a key indicator of gum disease (periodontitis).

Early Detection is Key

The primary value of a dental X-ray is its ability to spot problems when they are still small and manageable. A tiny cavity visible on an X-ray can be treated with a small filling. If left unchecked until it causes pain, the same cavity may require a complicated root canal treatment or even tooth extraction. Early detection saves you time, money, and discomfort.

Types of Dental X-rays and Their Functions

Not all dental x-rays are the same. Your clinician will select the appropriate type based on your specific needs, age, and risk factors.

1. Bitewing X-rays

• Purpose: These are the most common types taken during a routine checkup. They are called "bitewing" because you bite down on a wing-shaped device to hold the film or sensor in place.
• What They Show: The crowns of your upper and lower back teeth on one side. They are vital for detecting early decay between the back teeth and checking the fit of fillings and crowns.

2. Periapical X-rays

• Purpose: To capture the entire tooth, from the crown (the visible part) all the way down to the tip of the root and the surrounding bone.
• What They Show: The structure around the root of the tooth. These are used to diagnose abscesses, bone loss, cysts, or root fractures.

3. Panoramic X-rays (OPG)

• Purpose: This image captures a wide view of your entire mouth in a single picture. The machine rotates around your head while you stand or sit still.
• What They Show: All your teeth, both upper and lower jaws, the temporomandibular joints (TMJs), and even the sinus areas. They are essential for assessing wisdom teeth, planning dental implants, and identifying underlying structural issues.

Safety and Frequency of Dental X-rays

Concerns about radiation are understandable, but modern digital dentistry has made dental x-rays extremely safe.

Digital X-rays: Low Radiation Dose

At Freshdental, we use advanced digital radiography. Compared to old film x-rays, digital sensors require significantly less radiation, typically reducing the patient's exposure by up to 90%. The amount of radiation received from a single set of bitewing x-rays is minimal, equivalent to the radiation you receive from natural sources (background radiation) in a few hours of simply existing.

How Often Do I Need Them?

The frequency of your x-rays is personalised based on your oral health history and risk factors.

• High-Risk Patients: Individuals with a history of numerous cavities, extensive dental restorations, gum disease, or a high sugar diet may need bitewing x-rays every 6 to 18 months.
• Low-Risk Patients: Those with excellent oral hygiene, no history of gum disease, and few or no fillings may only need bitewing x-rays every 2 to 3 years.
• New Patient Examinations: A full set of x-rays is usually taken when you first register with Freshdental to establish a baseline for your ongoing care.
• Specific Needs: Periapical or panoramic x-rays are taken only when needed for specific diagnostic purposes, such as preparing for orthodontics or tooth replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can I refuse to have an X-ray?

A: You always have the right to refuse any medical procedure. However, if you refuse x-rays, your clinician may not be able to diagnose hidden problems like decay between teeth or infections. This limitation must be documented, and it may affect the quality and comprehensiveness of the care they can provide.

Q2: Are x-rays safe for children?

A: Yes, when necessary and used appropriately, dental x-rays are safe for children. They are crucial for monitoring growth, checking for impacted teeth, and catching childhood decay early. The radiation dosage is kept to the absolute minimum.

Q3: How long does the X-ray process take?

A: The process is very quick. Taking a full set of bitewing x-rays, including preparation and positioning, usually takes less than five minutes. Digital images appear almost instantly on the screen.

Q4: Why do I need an X-ray if my teeth feel fine?

A: Many significant dental problems, including early-stage decay and chronic bone loss from gum disease, are asymptomatic. They do not cause pain until they are advanced. X-rays detect these issues long before they are felt.

Prioritise Preventative Care

X-rays are not just an optional extra; they are a vital safeguard for your long-term oral health. They provide the hidden intelligence your dental team needs to spot trouble early and keep your smile healthy and beautiful.

Contact Freshdental today to schedule your comprehensive checkup, including necessary digital x-rays. Our team is dedicated to using the best technology to provide you with the most thorough and safest dental care available.

Call our reception team or visit our website to book your checkup.