Dental X-Rays are pictures of the teeth, bones, and surrounding soft tissues to screen for and help identify problems with the teeth, mouth, and jaw. X-Ray pictures can show cavities, hidden dental structures (such as wisdom teeth), and bone loss that cannot be seen during a visual examination. Dental X-Rays may also be done as follow-up after dental treatments.

Agrawal's Multispeciality Dental Clinic centre is equipped with a state of the art Zero Radiation Digital X-Ray equipment which allows minimum radiation exposure to the patient and the operator.

X-Ray of a mesio angular impacted third molar indicated for extraction
The following types of dental X-Rays are commonly used.

• Bitewing X-Rays use the least amount of radiation and show the upper and lower back teeth in a single view. They are used to detect decay between the teeth and to show how well the upper and lower teeth line up. They also show bone loss that usually indicates the presence of severe gum disease or a dental infection.
• Periapical X-Rays show the entire tooth, from the exposed crown to the end of the root and the bones that support the tooth. These X-Rays are used to detect dental problems below the gum line or in the jaw, including the presence of impacted teeth.
• Occlusal X-Rays show the roof or floor of the mouth and are used to detect the presence of extra teeth, teeth that have not yet broken through the gums, jaw fractures, a cleft in the roof of the mouth (cleft palate), cysts, abscesses, or growths (such as a tumour). Occlusal X-Rays may also be used to locate foreign objects.

• Dental X-rays are usually done to:
  • Detect problems in the mouth such as tooth decay, damage to the bones supporting the teeth, and dental injuries (such as broken tooth roots). Dental X-Rays are often done to detect these problems early, before any symptoms are experienced.
  • Detect teeth that are abnormally placed or don't break through the gums properly. Teeth that are too crowded to break through the gums are called impacted.
  • Detect cysts, solid growths (tumors), or abscesses caused by certain dental problems.
  • Evaluate the presence and location of permanent teeth growing in the jaw in children who still have their primary (or baby) teeth.
  • Plan treatment for large or extensive cavities, root canal surgery, placement of dental implants, and difficult tooth removals.
  • Plan treatment of teeth that are not properly aligned (orthodontic treatment).
  Without X-Rays, dentists would miss the early stages of decay between teeth.

• Before the X-Ray test, tell your doctor if you are or might be pregnant. If you are pregnant, routine dental X-Rays may be postponed to reduce radiation exposure to your developing baby (foetus). The risk depends on your baby's stage of development. The chance of harm to your baby is usually very small, and if dental X-Rays are absolutely necessary, a lead apron will be placed over your abdomen to shield your baby from exposure to the X-Rays.
  
  You can take precautions to reduce your risk of radiation exposure from X-Rays.
  
  No other special preparations are needed before having a dental X-Ray.