Dental Radiographs quality Why do I need X-rays? Radiographic or X-ray examinations provide your dentist with an important tool that shows the condition of your teeth, its roots, jaw placement and the overall composition of your facial bones. X-rays can help your dentist determine the presence or degree of periodontal disease, abscesses and many abnormal growths, such as cysts and tumors. X-rays also can show the exact location of impacted and unerupted teeth. They can pinpoint the location of cavities and other signs of disease that may not be possible to detect through a visual examination. Do all patients have X-rays taken every six months?   No. Your radiographic schedule is based on the dentist's assessment of your individual needs, including whether you're a new patient or a follow-up patient, adult or child. In most cases, new patients require a full set of mouth X-rays to evaluate oral health status, including any underlying signs of gum disease and for future comparison. Follow-up patients may require X-rays to monitor their gum condition or their chance of tooth decay. What kind of X-rays does my dentist usually take?   Typically, most dental patients have "periapical" or "bitewing" radiographs taken. These require patients to hold or bite down on a piece of plastic with X-ray film in the center. Bitewing X-rays typically determine the presence of decay in between teeth, while periapical X-rays show root structure, bone levels, cysts and abscesses. My dentist has prescribed a "panoramic radiograph." What is that? Just as a panoramic photograph allows you to see a broad view such as the Grand Canyon, a panoramic radiograph allows your dentist to see the entire structure of your mouth in a single image. Within one large film, panoramic X-rays reveal all of your upper and lower teeth and parts of your jaw. Why do I need both types of X- rays? What is apparent through one type of X-ray often is not visible on another. The panoramic X-ray will give your dentist a general and comprehensive view of your entire mouth on a single film, which a periapical or bitewing X-ray can not show. On the other hand, periapical or bitewing X rays show a highly- detailed image of a smaller area, making it easier for your dentist to see decay or cavities between your teeth. X-rays are not prescribed indis- criminately. Your dentist has a need for the different information that each radiograph can provide to formulate a diagnosis. they are appropriate and to tailor radiographic schedules to each patient's individual needs. By using state-of-the-art technology and by staying knowledgeable about recent advances, your dentist knows which techniques, procedures and X-ray films can minimize your exposure to radiation. Sources:  "Guidelines  for  Dental  X-rays  Not Likely   to   be   Re-examined",   AGD   Impact, January  1998,"The  Report  of  the  Panel  to Develop Radiographic Selection Criteria for Dental   Patients,"   General   Dentistry,   "The Benefits of X-rays", American Dental Association, 1996, "Dental X-ray Examinations Your Dentists Advice," American Dental Association, 1993. Should I be concerned about exposure to radiation? All health care providers are sensitive to patients' concerns about exposure to radiation. Your dentist has been trained to prescribe radiographs when This information was compiled for General Dentistry.  Your dentist cares about long-term dental health for you and your family and demonstrates that concern by belonging to the Academy of General Dentistry.  As one of the 35,000 general dentists in the United Sates and Canada who are member of the Academy, your dentists participates in an ongoing program of professional development and continuing education to remain current with advances in the profession and to provide quality patient treatment.  Visit the AGD’s website at www.agd.org.  You have permission to photocopy this page and distribute it to your patients.