x-rays and imaging

Up close and personal. But for all the right reasons. X-rays are necessary to ensure a detailed examination for personalized treatment – with your smile in mind.

What is a dental X-ray?

Yes, dental X-rays are important – despite popular opinion. Think of it like this: before undergoing a medical operation, it’s imperative to have a detailed examination and customized plan for treatment. The same applies to your smile. Dental X-rays, also called radiographs, are one of the most important tools a dentist can use to keep your mouth and teeth healthy. Important note, X-rays aren’t just for checking cavities. These high-quality images allow a dentist to assess your oral health and ensure better treatment.

Dentist describing an x-ray to a patient

What Problems Can Dental X-Rays Detect?

Dental X-rays help dentists with many common and easily treatable oral health issues. Early detection can help you avoid pain, minimize existing problems, and potentially treat life-threatening oral conditions. Here are the common and more serious problems dental x-rays detect:

Periodontal Disease

Injury

Abscesses

Cavities

Cysts & Tumors

How often should you have routine teeth cleanings?

It is recommended to see your dentist twice a year for professional teeth cleanings and oral examinations for a healthier, happier smile. However, if you have signs of gum disease, a shorter interval of every three to four months may be necessary.

Dentist talking to a patient in the dental chair

Types of Dental X-Rays

Dental X-rays are designed with the purpose of providing your dentist a complete, highly-detailed image of your mouth. For this reason, there are different types of X-rays with distinct, key features that render a precise image to deliver the right solution.

Bitewing X-Rays

Bitewing X-rays are commonly used to show the condition of your teeth above and below the gumline. The name comes from the wing-shaped device you bite down on. Taken for preventative purposes.

Periapical X-Rays

A periapical X-ray shows the entirety of your tooth or the jawbone. These are recommended to determine the underlying cause of pain. These types of X-rays may be used if there’s damage to the tip of the tooth root or issues with the jawbone.

Panoramic X-Rays

A panoramic X-ray is designed to provide a single image of your entire upper and lower teeth. These are often used in preparation for major dental procedures or complications.

Tomograms

A tomogram is a type of image CT scans produce. Tomography provides cross-sectional images (slices) that show the skeleton, organs, tissues, and abnormalities.

Cephalometric Projections

Cephalometric projections are used to get images that help your dentist determine orthodontic intervention. They provide side views of the skull.

Sialogram

A sialogram is an X-ray image of the salivary ducts and glands.

Dental Computed Tomography (CT)

Unlike conventional X-rays, dental computed tomography generates cross-sectional images to provide more detailed images with a lower radiation rate.

Cone Beam Computed Technology (CBCT)

A cone-beam CT is a 3D X-ray that uses a combination of complex features to provide advanced images of bone, muscle, blood vessels, and soft tissue. Generally used for more in-depth imaging.

Digital Imaging

Digital imagery of your mouth is generated using sensors connected to a computer that help to create clearer images.

How much do dental x-rays cost?

From the type of X-ray needed to dental insurance coverage, your dental X-ray costs depend on a handful of factors. And not to forget the necessary equipment and type of imaging produced. Dental insurance policies may cover the cost of dental X-rays, but have specific parameters in place. To get a clear understanding of cost, your dentist is the best person to talk to. In total, it’s better to get an X-ray for early treatment, which saves you money long term.

Illustration of a hand holding dollar bills with a green background

Dental X-rays will help detect oral health issues – and your smile will thank you.

individual with beautiful teeth flossing in front of the mirror

Book an Appointment Today

If you have any questions about dental X-rays, schedule an appointment and get the answers you need. With early detection, it can save you money in the long term.

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Are there any risks when getting a dental x-ray?

While any time you have an X-ray, you get exposed to a level of radiation, X-ray technology has significantly improved and the level of radiation you are exposed to now is low. The potential risks of radiation exposure are carefully considered against the diagnostic value of dental x-rays, according to the Federal Drug Administration and the American Dental Association.

Got questions?

This brings us to commonly asked questions on X-rays. It’s okay, there are quite a few. Learn more just a click away.

See All Faqs

A Dental Savings Plan is not insurance, which means you do not have to wait before receiving a service while insurance clears. Instead, a Dental Saving Plan is a membership program, which means you may get discounts from participating dentists for things like cleanings, x-rays, and a variety of other services.

First, a Periodontist is a Dentist. However, Periodontal Specialists diagnose, prevent and treat periodontitis, receding gums, inflammation, tooth loss (dental implants), and other chronic tissue loss of the teeth. Further, a Periodontist completed an additional three (3) years of training after graduating from dental school.

Smile Generation Dental Plan offers significant discounts on dentistry. Since it is not insurance, there are no deductible or annual maximums. Dental plan members pay an annual fee up front rather than monthly premiums like traditional dental insurance. There are also no waiting periods with dental plans so you can get the treatment you need immediately.

Yes. One of the most extraordinary things about the Smile Generation Dental Plan and private dental insurance is that it does not have to be an either/or proposition. Instead, they can work together to reduce your overall cost of dental treatment. Smile Generation Dental Plan supplements private dental

insurance. Some people use the dental plan to reduce out-of-pocket costs if they need treatment while waiting for their coverage to begin. Others use it to discount cosmetic treatments, which are not covered by most dental insurance. Some members get the most out of their dental insurance

benefits by applying the discounted dental plan fee against the annual maximum amount.

Applying for a Smile Generation Dental Plan is easy! Visit www.smilegenerationdentalplan.com from the comfort of your home, and you can purchase your plan right there. If you prefer a personal touch, feel free to give us a call at 1-855-935-5365, and our friendly team will assist you. Alternatively, you can drop by a local Smile Generation-Trusted office if that's more convenient for you.

Absolutely! Adding family members to your plan is simple and convenient. You have a few options to choose from: you can discuss it during your next visit to your Smile Generation- Trusted office, give us a call at 1-855-935-5365, or if you prefer online access, you can log in to your secure Member Portal and head to the "My Account" page. We're here to make it easy for you, so go with the option that works best for you and your family.

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Sources

Healthline. (n.d.). Dental X-Rays: Types, Procedure, Risks, and Benefits. https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-x-rays

Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). Dental X-Rays: What You Need to Know. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/11199-dental-x-rays

WebMD. (n.d.). Dental X-Rays: What to Expect. https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/dental-x-rays

Healthcare Imaging Services. (n.d.). Dental X-Ray & OPG: What to Expect and How to Prepare. https://www.healthcareimaging.com.au/services/dental-x-ray-opg/

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x-rays and imaging