We are asked this almost daily at reception, usually with some hesitation. It is a fair question and it deserves a proper answer.
- Most of the important structure of a tooth lies where the eye cannot see it: the root, the canals, the root tip, bone levels and impacted wisdom teeth.
- Periapical radiographs use a very low dose directed at a small confined area, and are prescribed only where the information will change the approach.
- Anyone pregnant or possibly pregnant should tell the dentist at the outset, as it changes the whole treatment plan.
- Skipping dental care altogether for fear of a radiograph is not the safer option; attend and discuss it with the dentist.
For many people, the words "x-ray" bring radiation to mind and prompt understandable hesitancy. Some ask the dentist to go ahead with treatment and skip the radiograph. This article explains why radiographs matter so much, and what the actual level of exposure involves.
Why the dentist needs a radiograph
The reason is straightforward: most of the important structure of a tooth lies where the eye cannot see it. On clinical examination the dentist sees only the crown above the gum. The rest is hidden:
- The root and the canal system inside the jaw bone.
- The area around the root tip, where infection develops once the pulp has died.
- The extent of bone loss around the roots in periodontal disease.
- Decay between two teeth, or recurrent decay beneath an old filling.
- The position and angulation of a wisdom tooth buried in bone.
- The relationship between roots and neighbouring anatomical structures.
Treating without a radiograph where one is indicated is rather like repairing something while only being able to see the casing. Infection can be missed, the depth of damage misjudged, or the complexity of an extraction not anticipated.
How much exposure is involved
The periapical radiograph most commonly used in dentistry involves a very low dose and is directed at a small area confined to the tooth being examined. Modern digital dental units reduce the dose further compared with conventional film.
There are also shielding measures and the principle of imaging only when genuinely needed. A dentist does not radiograph every patient at every visit, but prescribes one when the information will actually change the approach.
What is worth weighing is the comparison: a very low, localised dose on one side, against the risk of treating on incomplete information on the other. In most situations the benefit of having the image is clear.
When a radiograph is usually needed
- Before root canal treatment, to establish the number and shape of the canals, and during treatment to check progress.
- Before removing an angled or impacted wisdom tooth, to assess angulation and nearby anatomy.
- Where infection around a root tip is suspected, for example a tooth with a swollen gum or a sinus tract.
- To assess bone loss in periodontal disease.
- Where decay between teeth or recurrent decay beneath an old filling is suspected.
- When planning prosthetic work or dental implants.
- After trauma to the mouth.
Can you have a dental x-ray while pregnant?
This deserves a careful answer. The general principle is to avoid any unnecessary intervention during pregnancy, and imaging is no exception.
The most important point: if you are pregnant or think you might be, tell the dentist and staff at the outset, before the examination. This is not a delicate matter to keep private; it is information that directly affects the dentist's decisions.
Knowing you are pregnant, the dentist will reconsider the whole plan: postponing anything not urgent until after the birth, choosing less invasive approaches, and imaging only where genuinely necessary to manage an acute problem that cannot wait, with appropriate shielding.
What is not advisable is skipping dental care altogether for fear of a radiograph. An untreated dental infection during pregnancy is its own concern. The sensible course is to attend, explain your situation, and decide together with the dentist.
What about children?
Children can still be prescribed radiographs where needed, for instance to assess developing permanent teeth, injuries, or deep damage in a baby tooth. The principle remains that imaging is done only where the information will change the approach, with shielding applied.
Do ask why an image is needed for your child and what it will show. That is an entirely reasonable question and the dentist should be able to answer it.
Cost
At Ky Hoa Dental, digital periapical radiographs are a self-paid service and fall outside health insurance cover. The cost is stated in the price list published on this website, and you are told before it is taken.
What to ask your dentist
- Why does my case need a radiograph?
- What will it show that a clinical examination cannot?
- Would the treatment approach change without it?
- I am pregnant, or I have this condition - does that alter anything?
A dentist who explains the reasoning clearly is what you should expect. For an examination and advice, Ky Hoa Dental sees patients at 266A - 268, Duong 3 Thang 2, Hoa Hung Ward, Ho Chi Minh City, Monday to Saturday.
Frequently asked questions
Are dental x-rays covered by health insurance?
At Ky Hoa Dental, digital periapical radiographs are a self-paid service and fall outside health insurance cover. The cost is stated in the published price list and you are told before the image is taken.
I am pregnant. Should I still see a dentist?
Yes, and tell the dentist you are pregnant at the outset. With that information the dentist will reconsider the plan: postponing anything not urgent, choosing less invasive approaches, and imaging only where genuinely necessary for an acute problem that cannot wait. Avoiding dental care entirely for fear of a radiograph is not the safer option.
Can I be treated without a radiograph?
In some cases yes, and a dentist prescribes imaging only where it will genuinely change the approach. But for procedures such as root canal treatment or removing an angled wisdom tooth, an image is necessary for the dentist to see the part within the bone. You are welcome to ask why your case needs one.