Why Do We Take X-Rays?

Why Do We Take X-Rays at the Dentist?

By the team at Martin Dentistry – Dr. Matt Martin, Dr. Stephanie Martin, Dr. Lindsey Garrison, and Dr. Kyle Meding

When you come in for your dental visit, one of the first things we often do is take X-rays. You might wonder, why are dental X-rays so important if everything looks and feels fine?

Here at Martin Dentistry, we take X-rays because they help us see what’s going on under the surface of your teeth and gums, things that can’t be spotted during a regular visual exam. Let’s break it down a bit more.

What Do Dental X-Rays Show? Dental X-rays let us see:

• Cavities forming between teeth: Even if your teeth feel great, small cavities can begin to grow in places you can’t see or feel. X-rays help us catch them early.
• Bone loss or gum disease: X-rays show us the health of the bone around your teeth. This helps us spot signs of gum disease before it becomes more serious.
• Infections or abscesses: Sometimes, a tooth can get infected at the root, even without pain. X-rays show us any trouble beneath the surface.
• Tooth development: For children and teens, we can check if adult teeth are coming in properly or if wisdom teeth are impacted.

Are Dental X-Rays Safe?

Yes, dental X-rays are very safe. We use digital X-rays, which use a very low dose of radiation, much less than older film X-rays. In fact, the radiation exposure from a dental X-ray is about the same as what you get from a short airplane flight or spending a day in the sun.

You may notice something different at your next visit: we no longer use lead aprons during X-rays—and that’s actually a good thing. This change follows updated recommendations from top radiation safety agencies, including:

• The American Dental Association (ADA)
• The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
• The National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements (NCRP)

These experts agree that lead aprons are no longer necessary for dental X-rays because today’s digital imaging is already incredibly low-risk. Studies show the apron doesn’t add any real protection, and in some cases, it can even interfere with getting clear, accurate images.

Of course, we’re still very careful about when and how often we take X-rays. For most patients, we only need them once a year, unless we’re checking something specific. Your health and safety are always our top priority.

Why Do We Need X-Rays If Nothing Hurts?

Many dental problems don’t cause pain right away. Cavities, infections, or bone changes can happen slowly over time. If we wait until you’re in pain, the problem might be more advanced and harder (and more expensive) to fix. X-rays help us catch issues early, when treatment is easier.

What Happens After My X-Rays?

Once we take your X-rays, your dentist will review them with you during your visit. We'll show you exactly what we see and explain anything that needs attention. It’s a great way to stay informed about your dental health and feel confident in your care.

We take X-rays at Martin Dentistry to protect your smile, catch issues early, and give you the best care possible. They’re quick, safe, and an important part of keeping your teeth healthy for life.

If it’s been a while since your last dental check-up, we’d love to see you. Schedule an appointment at one of our convenient locations in Indianapolis (Broad Ripple) or Fishers, IN, and let our team help keep your smile shining bright!