Why do dentists take X-rays?
Dentists take X-rays to see under the surface of the teeth and gums when looking in the mouth alone is not enough. The Australian Dental Association (ADA) explains that radiographs help find dental disease that cannot be seen by eye and help plan treatment (teeth.org.au).
A dental X-ray is an image that uses a small amount of ionising radiation to show structures inside and around the teeth. At AMK Dental Clinic in Mortlake, images are recommended when they are clinically justified — for example to check between the back teeth, assess a sore tooth, or review bone and developing teeth — not without a clinical reason.
Healthdirect notes that a check-up may include X-rays to check for disease, infection, unerupted teeth or jaw-bone damage (healthdirect). Your dentist should explain why an image is suggested and ask for your consent before it is taken.
What can a dental X-ray show that a look in the mouth cannot?
A dental X-ray can show problems between the teeth, under fillings, around the roots and in the supporting bone that a visual exam cannot fully assess. The ADA lists uses that include finding tooth decay, bone loss from gum disease, fractures after injury, how close teeth sit to nerves and sinuses, abscesses and cysts, and teeth still under the gum, such as wisdom teeth (teeth.org.au).
In day-to-day care, that often means:
- Decay between teeth, where contacts hide early cavities from view.
- Bone levels around the teeth, which matter for gum health.
- Root and tip areas, including signs of infection around a sore tooth.
- Impacted or developing teeth, including wisdom teeth that have not erupted.
- Past treatment, such as the outline of a filling or a root canal space.
X-rays support planning for fillings, root canal treatment, tooth removal and other care. They do not replace your symptoms or a careful examination. If treatment is recommended after imaging, you receive an itemised written estimate before anything goes ahead.
What types of dental X-rays are common?
The common types are bitewing, periapical and panoramic (often called an OPG), each chosen for a different view. ARPANSA and the ADA describe these main scans used in general practice (ARPANSA; teeth.org.au).
| Type | What it shows | When it is often used |
|---|---|---|
| Bitewing | Crowns of upper and lower back teeth and the bone between them | Checking for decay between teeth and bone height at check-ups |
| Periapical | A whole tooth, including the root and surrounding bone | A sore tooth; before removal; before, during or after root canal treatment |
| Panoramic / OPG | A wide view of the jaws, teeth, sinuses and jaw joints | Wisdom teeth, tooth development, broader bone or joint concerns |
Other scans, such as a side-on (cephalometric) image or cone-beam CT (CBCT), may be used for more complex planning. Not every practice has every machine; sometimes you are referred to an imaging clinic (teeth.org.au). At AMK Dental Clinic, your dentist chooses the smallest useful view for the clinical question.
How much radiation is involved?
Dental X-rays use a very low level of radiation compared with many everyday sources. ARPANSA states that any radiation exposure from dental imaging is very low level and unlikely to have health effects, and that in modern dentistry doses are so low and well controlled that lead aprons are not usually (or routinely) required (ARPANSA).
The ADA likewise notes that the amount of radiation from a dental X-ray is much less than exposure from other everyday sources, and provides comparison figures in microsieverts (teeth.org.au). Low dose is not the same as zero dose. Your dentist still takes images only when the clinical benefit outweighs the small exposure, and leaves the room during the exposure because they take many images over a working life.
This page does not claim dental X-rays are risk-free. Ask if you want the dose comparison for the image planned for you.
What if I am pregnant or worried about X-rays?
Tell your dentist if you are pregnant, think you may be, or are actively trying to conceive. The ADA advises that if you have a sore tooth or dental problem, X-rays can still be taken during pregnancy when they are needed to find the problem, and that your dentist may cover the chest and belly with a lead apron (teeth.org.au). Images that are not urgently needed may be delayed — that decision sits with you and your dentist.
If you are worried about radiation, say so. Your dentist can explain which image is proposed, what it should show, and how that fits ARPANSA and ADA guidance on very low dental doses. See also general dentistry and new patients for how visits work at AMK Dental Clinic.
Booking a check-up in Mortlake
AMK Dental Clinic is at Shop 3, 46 Tennyson Road, Mortlake NSW 2137. We see patients from Mortlake and nearby suburbs including Breakfast Point, Cabarita, Concord, Rhodes and North Strathfield.
This page is general information only. It is not a personal diagnosis or treatment plan. Your dentist will discuss what is suitable for you.
You can book online or call (02) 9739 6525. When imaging is recommended, ask any questions before you agree.
This article is general information only and is not a substitute for advice about your own situation. Please speak with a dentist about your needs.
Common questions
Do I need dental X-rays at every check-up?
Not necessarily. Your dentist recommends X-rays when they are clinically justified, based on your history, risk of decay or gum disease, and what they can already see in your mouth. The Australian Dental Association notes that how often bitewing X-rays are taken depends on factors such as oral care, current disease and past treatment. Ask at AMK Dental Clinic in Mortlake what interval suits you.
How much radiation is in a dental X-ray?
Dental imaging uses a very low level of radiation. ARPANSA states that any radiation exposure from dental imaging is very low level and unlikely to have health effects, and that modern dental X-ray doses are so low that lead aprons are not usually required. The dose is much lower than many everyday radiation sources. Your dentist can explain which image is planned and why.
Can I have a dental X-ray if I am pregnant?
Tell your dentist if you are pregnant or think you may be. The Australian Dental Association notes that if you have a sore tooth or dental problem, X-rays can still be taken during pregnancy when needed to find the problem, and that your dentist may use a lead apron over the chest and belly. Talk through any concerns before images are taken so the decision fits your situation.