Dental Xrays at Dentistar
Dental X-rays are the dentist’s “eyes” where clinical examination cannot reach. At Dentistar we offer all modern digital X-ray technologies with low radiation doses, from small periapical X-rays and bitewings to panoramic, cephalometric, and full 3D CBCT imaging. Digital radiation is up to 90% lower than older analogue techniques, and results are immediately available on screen, no waiting.
The panoramic X-ray is a wide image that shows the entire mouth in a single picture: upper and lower jaws, all teeth, the temporomandibular joints and the sinuses.
The cephalometric X-ray is a side image of the skull used primarily in orthodontic treatment and complex restoration planning.
The periapical X-ray is a small, targeted intraoral X-ray that shows the entire tooth, from crown to root tip, together with the surrounding bone.
Bitewing X-rays are the foundational tool of prevention and early decay detection in modern dental practice.
3D dental imaging, known clinically as CBCT (Cone Beam Computed Tomography), is the most powerful diagnostic and planning tool in modern dentistry.
What a Dental X-ray “Sees”
- Decay between teeth (not visible to the naked eye)
- Damage beneath existing fillings
- Root infections (abscesses)
- Gum disease and bone loss (periodontitis)
- Impacted teeth (wisdom teeth, canines)
- Cysts or tumours in the jaws
- Root fractures
- Jaw relationships (in cephalometric)
- Tooth development in children
- Bone volume, nerve position and sinus mapping (in CBCT/3D imaging)
Types of Dental X-rays at Dentistar
- At Dentistar we use, digitally:
- Periapical X-rays: one or two teeth, for precise root examination (see details)
- Bitewing X-rays: for detecting decay between back teeth (see details)
- Panoramic: full mouth, jaws, joints (see details)
- Cephalometric: skull profile for orthodontic planning (see details)
- 3D CBCT: three-dimensional imaging for endodontics, implants, surgical guides and complex diagnostics (see details)
Are Dental X-rays Safe?
- Yes. Modern digital X-rays use extremely low radiation doses. For comparison:
- One digital periapical: ~0.005 mSv
- One digital panoramic: ~0.01–0.03 mSv
- Focused dental CBCT: ~0.02–0.10 mSv
- One flight (Nicosia–London): ~0.04 mSv
- Background radiation (1 year): ~3 mSv
- In other words, even a focused CBCT exposes you to less radiation than a typical long-haul flight.
Safety Measures at Dentistar
- Low-dose digital equipment
- Lead apron for all patients
- Thyroid collar where needed
- X-rays taken ONLY when clinically necessary
- CBCT only when 2D imaging is insufficient. Smallest field of view always selected
- Special protection for children and pregnant women (ALARA principle, as low as reasonably achievable)
How Often Are They Needed?
- Frequency is personalised for each patient. Generally:
- Adults with no decay history:
- Bitewings: every 18–36 months
- Panoramic: every 3–5 years
- CBCT: only when a specific indication arises
- Adults with a history of decay or periodontitis:
- Bitewings: every 6–12 months
- Periapical: as diagnostically required
- Children:
- First X-rays: usually 5–6 years old
- Frequency based on decay risk
- CBCT only when truly needed (e.g. impacted canine localization)
- Before specific treatments:
- Implants: CBCT required
- Orthodontics: panoramic + cephalometric; CBCT for impacted teeth or airway
- Root canal treatment: 2–4 periapical x-rays before, during and after treatment; CBCT for complex cases
- Wisdom tooth extraction: panoramic; CBCT if close to the nerve
Pregnancy & X-rays
If you are pregnant or think you might be, please let us know before any X-ray. Modern digital dental X-rays use a very low dose, and the beam is aimed only at the mouth, well away from the abdomen. When an X-ray is needed during pregnancy, for example for pain, infection or an emergency, it can be taken safely with a lead apron and thyroid collar. Routine check-up X-rays are usually postponed until after the birth, so we only take images that are truly necessary for your treatment.
Everything You Need to Know
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why do I need X-rays if my teeth don't hurt?
Many dental problems (decay between teeth, root infection, bone loss) don’t cause symptoms in the early stages. X-rays catch them early — when treatment is still simple and affordable.
Is it safe for children?
Yes. With modern digital technology, the dose is minimal. We take additional protective measures (lead apron, thyroid collar) and only take X-rays when clinically necessary.
Can I refuse X-rays?
Of course, it’s your right. However, certain treatments (e.g. root canal, implants, orthodontics)cannot be safely performed without radiographic assessment. At Dentistar, we always explain what’s needed and why.
How long does an X-ray take?
The exposure itself: 0.1–0.5 seconds for a periapical or bitewing; 15–25 seconds for a panoramic or cephalometric; 14–40 seconds for a CBCT. The total appointment is typically 1–20 minutes depending on the type.
Can I bring X-rays from another dentist?
Yes, and we appreciate it — we avoid duplicate imaging. Send them digitally (DICOM file for CBCT) or bring them on a USB. We take new ones only if the older ones don’t provide the information we need.
Do you give me a copy of my X-rays?
Yes, always. You receive digital copies via email or USB. They are part of your medical record and belong to you.
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