Types of dental X-rays, their purposes, and safety information about radiation exposure.

Dental X-rays are essential diagnostic tools that reveal problems invisible to the naked eye: cavities between teeth, bone loss, impacted teeth, infections, and tumors. Common types include bitewing (for cavities), periapical (full tooth and root), panoramic (entire jaw), and CBCT (3D imaging). Modern digital X-rays use 80% less radiation than traditional film X-rays. The radiation from a dental X-ray is less than the daily background radiation most people receive naturally.