Dental X-rays

Jaw X-ray, Teeth X-ray, X-ray, Dental

Why It Is Done

Dental X-rays are done to:

• Find 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 find these problems early, before any symptoms are present.
• Find teeth that are not in the right place or do not break through the gum properly. Teeth that are too crowded to break through the gums are called impacted.
• Find cysts, solid growths (tumours), or abscesses.
• Check for the 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 lined up straight (orthodontic treatment).

Without X-rays, dentists may miss the early stages of decay between teeth.

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Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS	Last Updated: December 1, 2006
Medical Review:	Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine Arden Christen, DDS, MSD, MA, FACD - Dentistry Steven K. Patterson, BSc, DDS, MPH - Dentist
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