Dental X-rays and Radiation

Lets break it down and learn what is it all about below.
X-ray radiation comparison, is dental x-rays safe What are the different types of dental x-rays, types of dental radiographs Why are bitewing radiographs taken, what do bitewing radiographs show Why do I need dental x-rays, why does my dentist take x-rays
Going Bananas About Dental Radiation
Lets break it down. We are exposed to radiation everyday we can get it from being in the sun, living in a brick house and even eating a banana. That is right, even the humble banana not only contains potassium that is good for our bodies but also is a .natural source of radiation. Does that mean we should stop eating bananas, no of course not. But it can be useful tool in understanding and comparing with other radiation sources. Scientists like to measure the amount of radiation absorbed in a human body in Sieverts (a mathematical unit). Eating one average sized banana is equivalent to 0.1 MicroSieverts. As a result, we can then compare radiation in the form of eating bananas. Modern digital x-rays used in dentistry has revolutionised healthcare with extremely low radiation. The new technology and techniques like lead aprons and digital x-rays, means that taking a single dental x-ray is much less than you absorb from background radiation from the sun, atmosphere and the stars. In fact, one dental radiograph is only 1/8th of the radiation you get from a domestic flight. Please read below to find out more
Important Points In This Section
  • The Different Types of Dental X-Rays (Radiographs)
  • Pregnancy and X-Ray Radiation
  • Why do we need X-Rays in dentistry
Why are X-Rays Needed?
Like the illustration above.


X-Ray (Radiographic) examinations of the mouth and teeth are important in helping to form diagnosis (cause of condition) and guide management of many dental conditions. Your oral health practitioner uses radiographs to detect problems that may not be seen during routine visual examination and sometimes it is before pain arises. Radiographs can be used to discover oral cancers, infections, impacted teeth and hidden caries. Early detection allows a problem to be treated before it becomes a serious issue that usually involves more invasive treatment.
An analogy I like to use is Just like when you see two rocks against each other, you do not know what is going underneath or in between the rocks. For all we know there is a little village between the rocks or fossils under the rocks.
An oral health professional may suspect decay/caries/a hole or bone loss but sometimes they need an x-ray to confirm. Unfortunately, dentists do not have x-ray vision like superman. But we do have machines for that. They allow the oral health practitioner to plan the appropriate procedure that is required.

    X-ray radiation and Pregnancy:

    If your dental problem requires a radiographic examination, as dentistry radiation is very safe. In fact, the Australian Radiation Protection & Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) guidelines state that there is no need on radiation protection grounds to defer dental radiography during pregnancy.


    Although due to understandable concerns, X-rays use is still limited during pregnancy & are only used if the oral health practitioner is concerned with the infection. This is because the failure to treat oral disease may do more harm than the radiation from the X-Ray. As a result, the dentist weighs up the risk and benefit of the x-ray.


    In addition to this, we take every safety measure to further minimise the radiation using the following precautions. Use of a lead apron shield which aims to block the radiation to the rest of the body. Use of a targeted beam that is limited to that tooth area only and most clinics these days also use special digital receptors that further limit exposure.


    If you are thinking of having a baby, it is also a good idea to have a dental exam before becoming pregnant. Follow the link to see how pregnancy can affect your oral health. (Pregnancy instructions)

    What are the different types of X-rays used in dentistry?
    Like the illustration above.


  • Bitewings (called this because you bite down on a plastic that is at the centre of the film)

    • This type of radiograph (X-ray) is usually used to assess decay/caries between teeth that cannot be seen by the dentist's eye. As well as assessing bone level for gum/bone disease. Like the illustration above.


  • Occlusal Radiograph

    • This type of radiograph (X-ray) is usually used to find extra teeth, review trauma (jaw fractures or tooth fractures) & abnormal growths.


  • Orthopantomogram (OPG)

    • This type of radiograph (X-ray) is usually used to assess the whole mouth. It an tell you about the bone level, the bones of the jaw, as well as missing or abnormal teeth growth. Not great at finding small decay though.


  • Periapical Radiograph

    • This type of radiograph (X-ray) is usually used to assess the entire tooth. It especially shows the roots of the tooth for possible infection that is occurring inside the tooth or near the bone. It is also informative about how to treat the tooth i.e the level of difficulty to take the tooth out.


  • Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT)

    • This type of radiograph (X-ray) is usually used for implant planning, severe Jaw problems, impacted teeth, resorption of roots & abnormal growths.


  • Lateral Cephalometric Radiograph

    • This type of radiograph (X-ray) is usually used by orthodontists to see the growth & position of the jaw.

    This is not an extensive list & there are other reasons that these may be taken that have not been covered here.

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Still have concerns?

This page provides general information about dental topics. It does not contain all the known facts of this subject and is not intended to replace personal advice from your dentist. If your not sure about anything on this site, contact us or speak to your local oral health practitioner. Make sure you give your local oral health practitioner your complete medical history and dental history.

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A selection of the references used:
Mettler FA Jr, Huda W, Yoshizumi TT, Mahesh M. Effective doses in radiology and diagnostic nuclear medicine: a catalog. Radiology. 2008;248(1):254-263. doi:10.1148/radiol.2481071451
Ludlow, J. B., Timothy, R., Walker, C., Hunter, R., Benavides, E., Samuelson, D. B., & Scheske, M. J. (2015). Effective dose of dental CBCT-a meta analysis of published data and additional data for nine CBCT units. Dento maxillo facial radiology, 44(1), 20140197. https://doi.org/10.1259/dmfr.20140197
Lorenzoni, D. C., et al. (2012). "Cone-Beam Computed Tomography and Radiographs in Dentistry: Aspects Related to Radiation Dose." International Journal of Dentistry 2012: 813768.
Effective Doses in Radiology and Diagnostic Nuclear Medicine: A Catalog Fred A. Mettler, Jr, Walter Huda, Terry T. Yoshizumi, and Mahadevappa Mahesh Radiology 2008 248:1, 254-263
Lin E. C. (2010). Radiation risk from medical imaging. Mayo Clinic proceedings, 85(12), 1142–1146. https://doi.org/10.4065/mcp.2010.0260
ARPANSA. 2020. Ionising Radiation And Health. [online][Accessed 28 June 2020].
Information for workers. ARPANSA. (2020). Retrieved 29 June 2020
Infographic: What to know before you go bananas about radiation. (2020). Retrieved 29 June 2020
Images adapted:
Adapted from free dental picture by authority dental" (CC BY 2.0) by Authority Dental

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