When it comes to your oral health, not every problem can be seen during a visual exam. Some dental concerns begin below the surface, between teeth, under existing dental work, or in the bone that supports your smile. That’s where dental X-rays come in.

Dental X-rays are an important part of routine dental care because they help your dentist see a more complete picture of your teeth, gums, roots, jaw, and surrounding bone. These images can reveal concerns early, often before you feel pain or notice symptoms, which allows for more conservative and timely treatment.

At Once Upon A Smile, dental X-rays are used thoughtfully and only when they provide helpful information for your care. They are quick, comfortable, and designed to help us protect your long-term oral health.

What Are Dental X-Rays?

Dental X-rays, also called dental radiographs, are images that allow your dental team to see areas of the mouth that are not visible during a regular exam. While we can learn a lot by looking at your teeth and gums, X-rays help us evaluate what is happening beneath the surface.

These images can show the structure of your teeth, the position of your roots, the health of the bone around your teeth, and areas where decay or infection may be developing. Because many dental problems do not cause pain right away, X-rays can be one of the best tools for finding concerns before they become more serious.

Dental X-rays can help detect:

• Cavities between teeth
• Tooth decay under existing fillings, crowns, or other restorations
• Bone loss related to gum disease
• Dental infections or abscesses
• Impacted teeth, including wisdom teeth
• Developmental concerns in children and teens
• Changes in tooth roots or surrounding bone
• Signs of trauma after an injury
• Cysts, growths, or other hidden abnormalities

Why Are Dental X-Rays Important?

Dental X-rays are important because they help your dentist catch problems that may be missed with the naked eye alone. A tooth can look healthy on the outside while decay is forming between teeth or under an old restoration. Gum disease can also affect the bone supporting your teeth before obvious symptoms appear.

By using X-rays when needed, your dental team can find concerns earlier, monitor changes over time, and recommend care based on a fuller understanding of your oral health.

They Help Catch Cavities Early

One of the most common reasons for dental X-rays is to check for cavities between teeth. These areas are difficult to see during a visual exam because the teeth touch closely together. Bitewing X-rays allow your dentist to see whether decay is forming in those tight spaces.

Finding a cavity early can often mean simpler treatment. Instead of waiting until a tooth hurts or the decay becomes larger, your dentist can address the problem while it is still smaller and more manageable.

They Help Monitor Gum Health and Bone Levels

Healthy teeth need healthy support. Dental X-rays help your dentist evaluate the bone around your teeth, which is especially important for patients with gum disease or a history of periodontal concerns.

Gum disease can lead to bone loss over time. X-rays allow your dental team to monitor those changes, check whether the condition is stable, and recommend the right type of cleaning or treatment schedule.

They Help Find Infections Before They Get Worse

Dental infections do not always cause symptoms right away. Sometimes, a patient may have an infection near the root of a tooth without realizing it. X-rays can help reveal changes around the root or in the surrounding bone that may point to an abscess or other concern.

Early detection matters because dental infections can worsen over time. Finding them sooner allows your dentist to discuss treatment options before the issue becomes more painful or more complex.

They Help Track Growth and Development

For children and teens, dental X-rays can be especially helpful for monitoring growth and development. They allow the dentist to see whether adult teeth are developing properly, whether teeth are coming in at the right angle, and whether there may be crowding or impacted teeth.

This information can help your dental team make recommendations at the right time, especially when it comes to orthodontic concerns, wisdom teeth, or delayed tooth eruption.

They Help Create a Personalized Care Plan

Every smile is different. Dental X-rays help your dentist make informed decisions based on your specific needs rather than guessing from what can be seen on the surface.

X-rays may be used to plan treatment for fillings, crowns, bridges, implants, orthodontics, extractions, periodontal care, and more. They can also serve as a baseline so your dental team can compare images over time and notice changes that may need attention.

Types of Dental X-Rays

There are several types of dental X-rays, and each one provides different information.

• Bitewing X-rays are commonly used during routine dental visits. They show the upper and lower back teeth in one image and are especially helpful for detecting cavities between teeth and checking bone levels.
• Periapical X-rays show the entire tooth, from the crown to the root tip. These are often used when a dentist needs to look closely at a specific tooth, root, or area of bone. They can help identify infections, abscesses, root concerns, or trauma.
• A panoramic X-ray shows a broad view of the entire mouth, including the teeth, jaws, sinuses, and jaw joints. This type of image is often used to evaluate wisdom teeth, tooth development, jaw structure, and overall oral anatomy.
• Occlusal X-rays show the floor or roof of the mouth. They are often used for children to monitor tooth development or to help locate teeth that have not erupted yet.

Are Dental X-Rays Safe?

Yes, modern dental X-rays are considered safe when used appropriately. Dental X-rays use a very low amount of radiation, and today’s imaging technology is designed to limit exposure while still providing clear, useful images.

At Once Upon A Smile, X-rays are not taken “just because.” They are recommended based on each patient’s needs, oral health history, age, risk for cavities or gum disease, symptoms, and the type of care being planned. This thoughtful approach follows the principle of using X-rays only when the images are expected to benefit your care.

Why Lead Aprons and Thyroid Collars Are No Longer Routinely Recommended

For many years, patients were often given a lead apron or thyroid collar during dental X-rays. However, the American Dental Association updated its recommendations in 2024, stating that lead abdominal aprons and thyroid collars are no longer recommended for dental X-rays when modern equipment and proper techniques are used.

This change may feel surprising, especially for patients who are used to being covered during X-rays. The updated guidance is based on improvements in dental imaging technology, the very low level of radiation used in dental X-rays, and the fact that modern X-ray beams are more focused than they used to be. The ADA also notes that dentists should consider the diagnostic information needed from X-rays and use them when they benefit patient care or improve clinical outcomes.

Another reason shielding is no longer routinely recommended is that aprons and thyroid collars can sometimes interfere with the image. If a shield blocks part of the X-ray, the image may need to be retaken, which is something dental teams want to avoid. The goal is always to capture the necessary image correctly the first time while keeping exposure as low as practical.

This updated recommendation applies to patient shielding. Dental professionals still follow appropriate safety practices when taking X-rays, including proper positioning, equipment maintenance, and following manufacturer and regulatory guidelines.

How Often Do You Need Dental X-Rays?

The frequency of dental X-rays depends on your individual oral health needs. Some patients may need X-rays more often because they are at higher risk for cavities, gum disease, infection, or other concerns. Others may need them less frequently if their oral health is stable and they are not experiencing symptoms.

Your dentist may consider factors such as:

• Your age
• Your cavity risk
• Your gum health
• Your dental history
• Any symptoms or areas of concern
• Existing dental work
• Whether growth and development need to be monitored
• Whether treatment is being planned

This individualized approach helps make sure X-rays are taken only when they are useful for your care.

The Bottom Line

Dental X-rays are a valuable part of preventive dental care. They help your dentist see what cannot be seen during a regular exam, catch concerns early, monitor changes over time, and create a care plan that fits your smile.

Modern dental X-rays are quick, low-radiation, and used thoughtfully. With updated safety recommendations and today’s imaging technology, they remain one of the most helpful tools for protecting your oral health.

At Once Upon A Smile, our goal is always to provide gentle, personalized dental care that helps you feel informed, comfortable, and confident in your smile.