We have all been there—sitting in the dental chair wrapped in a heavy apron while machinery takes X-rays of your teeth from different angles. Moments later, your dentist is showing you black & white photos of your teeth & you have no idea what you’re looking at—what does it all mean?
Dental X-rays are an important diagnostic tool for dentists to see what’s happening underneath your tooth’s surface, revealing issues that may otherwise be undetectable by the naked eye. They provide essential insights into your oral health & can help your dentist keep all of your teeth healthy.
Understanding the Shades
Within the black & white photograph, there are commonly three shades: the bright whites, the grays & the darker blacks.
The white parts indicate the areas of highest density. This includes the tooth’s enamel (outermost layer) & your jawbone. If you have had dental work like metal fillings or crowns done, those will also appear as white because they are made from very dense materials.
Areas that are gray indicate intermediate density. This includes the dentin (layer underneath the enamel), bone & soft tissues like your gums. Depending on the density of each part, these may appear in varying shades of gray.
Finally, the shades of black indicate areas where the x-ray has passed through with minimal resistance, which is a signal of empty space or breakdown of hard tissue. Issues such as bacterial decay or an infection can erode your tooth’s enamel & dentin, creating a less dense area that will show up as a black spot on your dental x-ray.
Types of X-Rays
There are various types of X-rays that give your dentist different views of your mouth & work to serve different purposes.
The bitewing X-ray, which mainly shows the crowns of your upper & lower teeth, focuses on the chewing surfaces & contact points between teeth. They are the best at detecting cavities between your teeth.
The periapical X-ray shows the entire tooth, from the crown through the root tip & the surrounding bone. This X-ray is used to examine root health & detect any potential abscesses, cysts or root issues.
The panoramic X-ray shows your entire jaw—all of your upper & lower teeth in addition to your jawbone & its surrounding structures. This X-ray is primarily used for planning implants, evaluating wisdom teeth, assessing jaw or bone issues & seeing impacted or unerupted teeth.
Dental X-rays may seem mystifying at first, but once you crack the code on what all of the different colors & sections mean, you are one step closer to understanding your teeth. Next time your dentist shows you an X-ray, you don’t have to just nod blankly. With your more informed framework, don’t be afraid to ask questions!
Sources
https://ecampusontario.pressbooks.pub/de115radiography/chapter/6-1/
https://biologyinsights.com/how-to-read-your-dental-x-rays-and-what-to-look-for