What to expect from a dental X-ray at Aspen Dental
Overview
Dental X-rays give your care team a clearer view of areas that may not be visible during a visual exam. They help identify concerns early so you can understand your treatment options and next steps.
Help detect cavities, infections and bone changes
Digital dental X-rays use low levels of radiation
X-rays are typically recommended every 6–24 months, depending on your needs
What is a dental X-ray?
A dental X-ray, or radiograph, creates images of your teeth, gums and jawbone using low levels of radiation. It helps your care team see areas not visible during a routine exam. Digital X-rays use lower radiation levels than traditional film while providing detailed images.
Types of dental X-rays
Bitewing X-rays show upper and lower back teeth in a single view. They help identify cavities between teeth and check the bone that supports your teeth.
Periapical X-rays focus on one tooth from crown to root. These images help your care team see root infections and areas below the gumline that may need attention.
A panoramic X-ray captures the full mouth, including teeth, jaws and surrounding structures. It is often used to evaluate wisdom teeth, support implant planning and guide orthodontic treatment.
A full-mouth series uses multiple images to capture every tooth and the surrounding bone. Your care team may recommend this for new patients or when a more detailed view is needed to evaluate oral health needs.
Digital X-rays use sensors instead of film and create detailed images quickly while using lower levels of radiation. Images can be enlarged to help your care team review specific areas more closely.
What dental problems can X-rays help detect?
Dental X-rays may help identify:
Cavities between teeth
Root infections
Gum disease and bone loss
Impacted teeth
Tooth fractures
Cysts and abscesses
Wisdom tooth alignment
Changes in the jawbone
After your X-rays are taken, your Aspen Dental care team will review the images and discuss any findings with you.
What to expect during a dental X-ray at Aspen Dental
Dental X-rays are quick and are typically completed in just a few minutes. Your care team will guide you through each step so you know what to expect.
A small digital sensor is gently placed inside your mouth. It is positioned to capture clear images of your teeth and surrounding bone. You may feel slight pressure while it is in place.
You will gently bite down to keep the sensor steady. Your care team may adjust its position to capture different angles. Staying still for a few seconds helps ensure a clear image.
The images are captured in just a few seconds. You will not feel anything while the X-ray is taken. Multiple images may be needed depending on your exam.
Once the images are ready, your care team will review them with you. They will explain what they see and discuss any recommendations based on your oral health.
Are dental X-rays safe?
Yes. Aspen Dental uses modern digital X-rays, which keep radiation exposure very low. Comparable to:
A short airplane flight
Time spent outdoors in natural sunlight
Using household electronics
If you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant, let your care team know. X-rays may be taken during pregnancy when medically necessary and appropriate precautions are used.
Dental X-ray cost
Dental X-ray costs vary based on the type and number of images needed, your local office and your insurance coverage. A single X-ray typically costs less than a panoramic or 3-D scan, while a full-mouth series may cost more because it includes multiple images. Your care team can review your coverage and provide a personalized estimate with clear pricing before treatment begins.
¹Offer available in select offices. For new patients that do not have dental insurance. New patients must be 21 or older to receive $29 exam and X-rays, a minimum $80 value; the value of the savings will vary based on doctor recommendation. Offer expires 12/31/2026.
How often do you need dental X-rays?
Timing depends on risk factors and your oral health.
New patients: baseline X-rays
Pain or symptoms: as needed
Your care team will assess your needs and recommend X-rays based on your exam and health history. For many patients, X-rays are taken about every 6–24 months.
Benefits of dental X-rays
Here are some ways dental X-rays support your oral health:
Catch cavities
Identify decay between teeth that may not be visible during an exam.
Spot infections
Show areas below the gumline that may need attention.
Clearer treatment
Provide additional information to help guide your next steps.
Impacted teeth
Show their position within the jaw.
Track changes
Compare images from one visit to the next.
Get clear answers
Provide a more complete picture of your oral health.
Risks of dental X-rays
Possible discomfort from the sensor
Cumulative radiation exposure over time
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Frequently asked questions about dental X-rays
Pricing depends on the type of X-rays needed and the cleaning recommended. Contact your local Aspen Dental office for a personalized estimate and clear pricing before your visit.
A 3-D dental X-ray, also called a cone-beam CT (CBCT) scan, provides a detailed view of teeth, the jawbone and nearby structures. It may be used for implant planning or more complex cases. Costs vary by office, scan area and insurance coverage, so contact your local Aspen Dental office for an estimate.
Dental X-rays are generally not considered painful. You may feel slight pressure from the sensor, especially in sensitive areas, but it lasts only a few seconds.
Most dental X-rays take just a few minutes from start to finish. The images are captured in seconds and appear quickly so your care team can review them during your visit.
Dental X-rays may be taken during pregnancy when medically necessary and with appropriate shielding. Tell your care team if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant so they can determine what is appropriate.
You always have a choice. X-rays are recommended because they can help identify concerns that may not be visible during a visual exam. Without X-rays, your care team may have limited information when evaluating your oral health.
The number of X-rays recommended depends on your oral health, risk factors and treatment needs. Your care team considers these factors before recommending X-rays.
Dental X-rays use low levels of radiation, especially with digital technology. For perspective, the amount of radiation is similar to everyday background exposure, such as a short airplane flight or time spent outdoors in natural sunlight.
Dental X-rays may show unusual changes in the teeth or jaw, but they cannot diagnose cancer on their own. If something appears unusual, your care team may recommend additional evaluation, such as a clinical exam, imaging or referral.