What dental X-rays find
Many problems can’t be seen in the mirror or felt until they are advanced.
- Cavities between teeth and under old fillings
- Bone loss from gum disease
- Infection or an abscess at the root
- Cracks and fractures after an injury
- Impacted wisdom teeth
They are part of a full dental checkup and of diagnosing a cavity or toothache.
Types of dental X-rays
Dr. Sayeed chooses the view that answers the question, so you never get more images than you need.
| Type | What it shows | When it is used |
|---|---|---|
| Bitewing | The crowns of your back teeth, upper and lower together | Checking for cavities between teeth at checkups |
| Periapical | One or two whole teeth, from the tip to the root | A toothache, an infection or before a root canal |
| Panoramic | All your teeth, both jaws and the sinuses in one image | Wisdom teeth, new patients and treatment planning |
When a flat image isn’t enough, a 3D CBCT scan shows the bone and nerves in three dimensions.
What to expect
- Protection. You wear a lead apron with a collar.
- Positioning. A small, smooth sensor in a disposable cover is placed in your mouth.
- The image. You keep still for a second. There is no sound, heat or feeling.
- On screen. The image appears in seconds, and Dr. Sayeed walks you through it.
Are dental X-rays safe?
Yes. A set of digital bitewings uses about as much radiation as a day of natural background radiation, and less than film X-rays did.
How often do you need dental X-rays?
It depends on your risk. Patients with healthy teeth may need bitewings every year or two. If you get cavities often, have gum disease or a problem is being watched, Dr. Sayeed may suggest them more often.
New patients usually have a full set or a panoramic image, so there is a starting point to compare with later.
Dental X-ray questions
Patients come to us from Kingston, Port Ewen, Lake Katrine, Hurley, Saugerties, Rhinebeck and across Ulster County.
Can I have dental X-rays while pregnant?
Tell us if you are pregnant. Routine X-rays can usually wait until after the birth; if one is needed for pain or infection, it can be taken with shielding.
Does insurance cover dental X-rays?
Most plans cover routine X-rays at checkups, often in full, and X-rays needed to diagnose a problem. We check your benefits.
Why do I need X-rays if nothing hurts?
Cavities between teeth and bone loss often don’t hurt until they are advanced. X-rays find them while treatment is simpler.
Can my previous dentist’s X-rays be used?
Often, yes, if they are recent and clear. Ask your previous dentist to send them before your visit.
