Your Guide to Dental X-rays
Find out why dental X-rays are taken, the different types, how often you may need them, and how your radiation dose is kept as low as possible.
Why are dental X-rays taken?
Dental X-rays let your dental team see parts of your mouth they cannot see just by looking. They are a key test that helps your team give you accurate and safe care.
X-rays can show:
- Early tooth decay between teeth or under old fillings. This often cannot be seen just by looking.
- Bone loss from gum disease
- Infections or cysts at the root tips
- Teeth that have not come through or are stuck (for example, wisdom teeth)
- Cracks in roots (root fractures)
- Changes in the bone that may need more tests
Types of dental X-rays
Different X-rays give different information:
- Bitewing X-rays show the upper and lower back teeth on one side. They are mainly used to find decay between teeth and to check bone levels. They are the X-rays most often taken at check-ups.
- Periapical X-rays show one or two teeth, from the top of the tooth to the root tip. They are used to check the roots, the bone around them and the health of the root tip (periapical health).
- Panoramic X-ray (OPG) shows the whole mouth in one picture. You can see all the teeth, both jaws and the parts around them. It helps to check wisdom teeth and jaw problems. It is also used for first planning of brace or implant treatment.
- CBCT scan is a 3D X-ray. It gives very detailed views of the bone. It is used to plan implants, complex tooth removals and complex root canal (endodontic) cases.
How often are X-rays taken?
The College of General Dentistry (CGDent) has guidance on when to take dental X-rays (Selection Criteria for Dental Radiography). It says X-rays should only be taken when they will give information that changes your care. They should not be taken as a routine without a clinical reason.
How often depends on your own level of risk:
- Adults at low risk of decay or gum disease: bitewing X-rays about every 2 years
- Adults at moderate risk: bitewing X-rays about once a year
- Adults at high risk: bitewing X-rays about every 6 months
- Children: how often depends on each child's own risk
Are dental X-rays safe?
Dental X-rays use very small doses of radiation. To compare:
- One bitewing X-ray gives about 0.001–0.008 millisieverts (mSv) of radiation
- In the UK, each person gets about 2.7 mSv a year on average from natural background radiation
- A flight across the Atlantic gives you about 0.08 mSv from cosmic radiation
UK dental practices must follow the law on medical radiation: the Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations 2017 (IR(ME)R). These say doses must be kept as low as reasonably practicable (the ALARP principle). Modern digital X-ray machines use much less radiation than older film-based ones.
Pregnancy and X-rays
If you are pregnant, or think you might be, always tell your dental team before any X-rays are taken.
Dental X-ray doses are very small. For standard dental X-rays, the beam is not aimed at your tummy (abdomen).
The CGDent guidance says there is no need to delay standard dental X-rays during pregnancy. But your dental team may offer to put off X-rays that are not urgent until after the birth, if you prefer.
If an X-ray is needed for your care, for example to find an infection or in a dental emergency, it is considered safe. It should not be delayed.
Questions to ask your dental team
- Why do I need this X-ray, and what are you looking for?
- How will the result change my treatment plan?
- Do I need a CBCT scan, or would a normal X-ray be enough for me?
- What does my X-ray show?
This leaflet is for general information only and does not replace professional dental advice. It is intended to support — not replace — the discussion with your dental team about your individual options, risks, and treatment plan. Treatment outcomes vary between patients depending on individual circumstances. Your dental team will confirm exact fees and what is suitable for your specific circumstances before you agree to any treatment.
Sources
- Selection Criteria for Dental Radiography, 3rd edition. College of General Dentistry (CGDent), formerly FGDP(UK).
- The Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations 2017, IR(ME)R (SI 2017/1322). UK legislation (legislation.gov.uk), 2017.
- X-rays. Oral Health Foundation.
Links checked 18 October 2026.
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