Dental x-rays – Indications, Procedures, Results

Last updated: February 8, 2026 Medically reviewed by: RxHarun Orthopedic Specialist Doctor Reading time: 3 min read

X-ray – teeth; Radiograph – dental; Bitewings; Periapical film; Panoramic film; Digital image

Dental x-rays are a type of image of the teeth and mouth. X-rays are a form of high energy electromagnetic radiation. The x-rays penetrate the body to form an image on film.

Structures that are dense (such as silver fillings or metal restoration) will block most of the light energy from the x-ray. They will appear white on developed film. Structures that contain air will be black on the film. Teeth, tissue, and fluid will appear as shades of gray.

How the Test is Performed

The test is performed in the dentist’s office. There are many types of dental x-rays. Some of them are:

Bitewing. Shows the crown portions of the top and bottom teeth together when the person bites on a paper tab.
Periapical. Shows 1 or 2 complete teeth from crown to root.
Palatal (also called occlusal ). Captures all the upper or lower teeth in one shot while the film rests on the biting surface of the teeth.
Panoramic. Requires a special machine that rotates around the head. The x-ray captures all of the jaws and teeth in one shot. It is used to plan treatment for dental implants, check for impacted wisdom teeth, and detect jaw problems. A panoramic x-ray is not the best method for detecting cavities, unless the decay is very advanced and deep.

Many dentists are also taking x-rays using digital technology. These images runs through a computer. The amount of radiation given off during the procedure is less than traditional methods. Other types of dental x-rays can create a 3-D picture of the jaw. Cone beam computerized tomography (CBCT) may be used before dental surgery, especially when many implants are being placed.

How to Prepare for the Test

There is no special preparation. A lead apron may be placed over your body. Tell your dentist if you might be pregnant.

How the Test will Feel

The x-ray itself causes no discomfort. Biting on the piece of film makes some people gag. Slow, deep breathing through the nose usually relieves this feeling.

Why the Test is Performed

Dental x-rays help diagnose disease and injury of the teeth and gums.

Normal Results

Normal x-rays show a normal number, structure, and position of the teeth and jaw bones. There are no cavities or other problems.

What Abnormal Results Mean

Dental x-rays may be used to identify the following:

The number, size, and position of teeth
Unemerged or impacted teeth
The presence and extent of tooth decay (called cavities, or dental caries)
Bone damage (such as from gum disease called periodontitis )
Abscessed teeth
Fractured jaw
Problems in the way the upper and lower teeth fit togethher ( malocclusion )
Other abnormalities of the teeth and jaw bones

Risks

There is very low radiation exposure from dental x-rays. However, no one should receive more radiation than necessary. A lead apron can be used to cover the body and reduce radiation exposure. Pregnant women should not have x-rays taken unless absolutely necessary.

Considerations

Dental x-rays can reveal dental cavities before they are visible, even to the dentist. Many dentists will take yearly bitewings to look for early development of cavities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this article a replacement for a doctor?

No. It is educational content only. Patients should consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis and treatment.

When should I seek urgent care?

Seek urgent care for severe symptoms, rapidly worsening condition, breathing difficulty, severe pain, neurological changes, or any emergency warning sign.

References

Add references, clinical guidelines, textbooks, journal articles, or trusted medical sources here. You can edit this area later with a custom field named _rx_references.

Written by Dr. Harun Ar Rashid, MD - Arthritis, Bones, Joints Pain, Trauma, and Internal Medicine Specialist

Dr. Md. Harun Ar Rashid, MPH, MD, PhD, is a highly respected medical specialist celebrated for his exceptional clinical expertise and unwavering commitment to patient care. With advanced qualifications including MPH, MD, and PhD, he integrates cutting-edge research with a compassionate approach to medicine, ensuring that every patient receives personalized and effective treatment. His extensive training and hands-on experience enable him to diagnose complex conditions accurately and develop innovative treatment strategies tailored to individual needs. In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. Harun Ar Rashid is dedicated to medical education and research, writing and inventory creative thinking, innovative idea, critical care managementing make in his community to outreach, often participating in initiatives that promote health awareness and advance medical knowledge. His career is a testament to the high standards represented by his credentials, and he continues to contribute significantly to his field, driving improvements in both patient outcomes and healthcare practices. Born and educated in Bangladesh, Dr. Rashid earned his BPT from the University of Dhaka before pursuing postgraduate training internationally. He completed his MD in Internal Medicine at King’s College London, where he developed a special interest in inflammatory arthritis and metabolic bone disease. He then undertook a PhD in Orthopedic Science at the University of Oxford, conducting pioneering research on cytokine signaling pathways in rheumatoid arthritis. Following his doctoral studies, Dr. Rashid returned to clinical work with a fellowship in interventional pain management at the Rx University School of Medicine, refining his skills in image-guided joint injections and minimally invasive pain-relief techniques.