September 19, 2026

A dental examination involves much more than looking at the visible surfaces of your teeth. Although a dentist can identify many problems by examining your mouth directly, some important conditions develop beneath the surface or between teeth where they cannot be seen during a routine visual examination.

This is where dental X-rays become an important diagnostic tool.

Dental X-rays allow your dentist to see structures that are hidden beneath the gums, inside the teeth, between neighboring teeth, and within the jawbone. They can help identify cavities, bone changes, infections, impacted teeth, and other conditions before they become obvious through symptoms.

For patients receiving dental care in Auburn, WA, understanding why X-rays are recommended, what different types of dental imaging show, and how the process works can make routine dental visits easier to understand.

At Nuttall Smiles, dental imaging may be used as part of a comprehensive examination when clinically appropriate. The goal is to gather enough diagnostic information to evaluate your oral health accurately and develop an appropriate treatment plan.

What Are Dental X-Rays?

Dental X-rays are diagnostic images created using a controlled amount of X-ray radiation to capture structures inside and around the teeth.

Unlike a standard photograph of your smile, an X-ray can show tissues and structures that are not visible during a visual examination.

Depending on the type of image taken, a dentist may be able to evaluate:

• Tooth roots
• Areas between teeth
• Jawbone
• Developing teeth
• Impacted teeth
• Existing dental restorations
• Areas of bone loss
• Signs of infection
• Certain abnormalities around tooth roots

Modern dental offices commonly use digital imaging systems, which can provide rapid images that dentists can review during the appointment.

Why Do Dentists Need X-Rays?

A visual examination and dental X-rays provide different types of information.

Consider a cavity that develops between two teeth. The outer surfaces may look relatively normal when viewed directly, while decay is developing in an area that is difficult to see.

An X-ray can reveal changes in the tooth structure that may not be visible during the clinical examination.

Similarly, problems around a tooth root may not produce visible signs on the surface of the tooth.

Dental X-rays therefore complement the physical examination rather than replace it.

Your dentist uses the information from your symptoms, medical and dental history, clinical examination, and diagnostic imaging together.

What Can Dental X-Rays Detect?

Dental X-rays can help dentists identify or evaluate a variety of conditions.

Cavities Between Teeth

Some cavities develop on surfaces that are difficult to inspect visually.

Bitewing X-rays are particularly useful for detecting decay between the back teeth.

Finding decay earlier can sometimes allow treatment to be more conservative than if the cavity is allowed to progress deeper into the tooth.

Bone Loss From Gum Disease

As gum disease progresses, bone levels can change.

X-rays can help dentists evaluate the amount and pattern of bone supporting the teeth, which can provide important information when assessing periodontal health.

Dental Infections

An infection involving the pulp of a tooth can eventually affect the tissues around the root.

X-rays may show changes in the bone surrounding the root that support a diagnosis when combined with symptoms and clinical findings.

Impacted Teeth

Some teeth do not erupt normally.

Wisdom teeth are a common example, but other teeth can also become impacted or remain trapped within the jaw.

X-rays can show the position, orientation, and relationship of these teeth to surrounding structures.

Tooth Root Problems

X-rays can provide information about the shape and number of roots, previous root canal treatment, and changes around the root.

This information can be particularly important when planning restorative or endodontic treatment.

Developing Teeth

In children and adolescents, dental X-rays can help dentists monitor the development and eruption of permanent teeth.

Imaging may show teeth that have not yet erupted and help identify potential eruption problems.

Types of Dental X-Rays

Different X-ray views are designed to answer different diagnostic questions.

Bitewing X-Rays

Bitewing images focus primarily on the crowns of the upper and lower back teeth and the areas between them.

They are commonly used to detect cavities between teeth and evaluate the level of supporting bone.

Patients bite gently on a small imaging device while the X-ray is taken.

Periapical X-Rays

A periapical X-ray captures an entire tooth, including the crown, root, and surrounding bone.

This type of image can help evaluate:

• Tooth roots
• Root infections
• Bone surrounding the root
• Abnormalities
• Certain dental injuries

Periapical images can be particularly useful when a patient has symptoms involving a specific tooth.

Panoramic X-Rays

A panoramic X-ray captures a broad view of the upper and lower jaws, teeth, and surrounding structures in a single image.

It can be useful for evaluating:

• Wisdom teeth
• Impacted teeth
• Tooth development
• Jaw structures
• Multiple missing teeth
• Broad patterns of bone changes

Because panoramic imaging provides a wide field of view, it is useful for certain diagnostic and treatment-planning situations.

Cone Beam Computed Tomography

Cone beam computed tomography, often called CBCT, produces three-dimensional images of dental and maxillofacial structures.

CBCT can provide substantially more detailed spatial information than conventional two-dimensional dental X-rays.

It may be considered for certain treatment-planning situations, including implant planning or evaluation of complex anatomy.

CBCT is not necessary for every routine dental appointment. Because it involves more radiation than many conventional dental X-rays, its use should be based on clinical need.

Are Dental X-Rays Safe?

Dental X-rays use ionizing radiation, so minimizing unnecessary exposure is an important principle in dental imaging.

Modern dental imaging systems can use relatively low radiation doses, and dentists are trained to order imaging based on clinical need.

The principle of ALARA, meaning "as low as reasonably achievable," is commonly used in radiation safety. The objective is to obtain the diagnostic information needed while minimizing unnecessary exposure.

Your dentist considers factors such as:

• Your age
• Dental history
• Symptoms
• Existing conditions
• Previous X-rays
• Current treatment needs
• The type of image required

X-rays should not simply be taken automatically without considering whether the information they provide is clinically useful.

How Often Should You Get Dental X-Rays?

There is no universal schedule that applies to every patient.

Some patients may require imaging more frequently because they have a history of cavities, active dental disease, new symptoms, or ongoing treatment.

Others may require X-rays less frequently when their oral health is stable and previous images provide sufficient diagnostic information.

Your dentist may recommend imaging based on your individual risk factors rather than following a fixed schedule for every patient.

If you have recently received dental X-rays from another office, tell your dentist. Previous images may sometimes be available and can help prevent unnecessary duplication.

What Happens During a Dental X-Ray?

The process is generally quick and noninvasive.

1. Selecting the Appropriate Image

Your dental team determines which type of X-ray is appropriate for the diagnostic question.

You may need one image or several views depending on your circumstances.

2. Positioning the Sensor

For intraoral X-rays, a small digital sensor or imaging device is positioned inside your mouth.

You may be asked to bite gently to hold it in place.

3. Taking the Image

The X-ray machine is positioned outside your mouth.

The exposure itself typically takes only a short amount of time.

You may need to remain still while the image is captured.

4. Reviewing the Results

Digital images can generally be viewed quickly.

Your dentist reviews the images alongside your clinical examination and discusses any findings that require attention.

Why Can a Tooth Look Healthy but Still Need Treatment?

A tooth can appear normal externally while developing a problem internally or between neighboring teeth.

For example, early decay between teeth may not be visible during a visual examination.

Similarly, inflammation around a root may not create an obvious change in the visible crown of the tooth.

This is why dental diagnosis relies on multiple sources of information.

X-rays are particularly useful because they provide a different perspective on structures that cannot be directly inspected.

Dental X-Rays and Preventative Dentistry

Dental X-rays are not exclusively used when something is already wrong.

They can also contribute to preventative care by helping dentists identify conditions before they become symptomatic.

Early detection can be important because some dental diseases can progress with few or no noticeable symptoms.

For example, a patient may not experience pain from a developing cavity until the decay becomes more advanced.

Regular examinations combined with appropriate diagnostic imaging can help identify problems while treatment may still be relatively straightforward.

Dental X-Rays for Children

Children may require dental X-rays for different reasons than adults.

Their teeth and jaws are still developing, and imaging can provide information about permanent teeth that have not erupted.

A dentist may use X-rays to evaluate:

• Tooth development
• Eruption patterns
• Missing or extra teeth
• Crowding
• Impacted teeth
• Cavities
• Bone development

Because children are more sensitive to radiation than adults, dentists carefully consider whether imaging is necessary and use appropriate exposure settings.

Dental X-Rays for Wisdom Teeth

Some erupt normally, while others become impacted because there is insufficient space or because the tooth develops at an unfavorable angle.

A panoramic X-ray can provide a broad view of the wisdom teeth and their relationship to neighboring teeth and jaw structures.

This information can help your dentist determine whether monitoring, further evaluation, or removal should be considered.

X-Rays Before Dental Implants

Before implant placement, the dentist needs to understand the anatomy of the intended implant site, including the amount and quality of available bone and the location of important structures.

In some cases, three-dimensional CBCT imaging may be recommended.

The imaging can help with implant positioning and treatment planning when conventional two-dimensional images do not provide sufficient information.

Not every implant case requires CBCT, and the appropriate imaging depends on the complexity of the treatment.

X-Rays and Root Canal Treatment

When a tooth may require root canal treatment, imaging can provide important information about the tooth's roots and surrounding bone.

A dentist may use periapical X-rays to evaluate the root structure and look for changes around the root.

During root canal treatment, additional images may sometimes be used to help assess the treatment process.

The images are interpreted alongside symptoms, pulp testing, clinical examination, and other diagnostic information.

What Should You Tell Your Dentist Before an X-Ray?

Before dental imaging, inform your dental team if:

• You are pregnant or think you may be pregnant
• You recently had dental X-rays elsewhere
• You have concerns about radiation exposure
• You are undergoing extensive dental treatment
• You have questions about why a particular image is needed

Pregnancy does not automatically mean that all dental X-rays are prohibited. When imaging is clinically necessary, dental professionals can follow appropriate radiation-safety protocols. However, it is important to tell your dentist about a pregnancy or possible pregnancy so the team can make an informed decision.

What Happens if an X-Ray Shows a Problem?

An abnormal X-ray does not automatically mean that you need extensive treatment.

The dentist interprets the image in combination with your symptoms and clinical findings.

Depending on the result, your dentist may recommend:

• Monitoring the area
• Improving preventative care
• A professional cleaning
• A dental filling
• Periodontal treatment
• Root canal treatment
• Tooth extraction
• Additional imaging
• Referral to another dental specialist

The appropriate next step depends on the specific finding.

Dental X-Rays in Auburn, WA

Patients looking for comprehensive dental care in Auburn, WA, can receive diagnostic evaluation at Nuttall Smiles, located at 722 12th Street SE, Auburn, WA 98002.

Nuttall Smiles serves patients in Auburn and nearby communities, including Kent, Federal Way, Pacific, Algona, and Sumner.

Whether you are attending a routine preventative appointment or being evaluated for a specific dental concern, diagnostic imaging may provide information that cannot be obtained through a visual examination alone.

The purpose of dental X-rays is not to add unnecessary procedures to your appointment. Rather, appropriate imaging helps your dentist see areas that would otherwise remain hidden and make more informed decisions about your oral health.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dental X-Rays

1. Do I need dental X-rays at every dental appointment?

Not necessarily. The need for X-rays depends on your oral health, symptoms, dental history, age, cavity risk, previous imaging, and current treatment needs.

2. Can dental X-rays detect cavities?

Yes. Certain X-ray views are particularly useful for detecting cavities between teeth and other areas that may not be visible during a clinical examination.

3. Do dental X-rays hurt?

Most dental X-rays are noninvasive. Intraoral sensors can sometimes feel uncomfortable because they must be positioned inside the mouth, but the imaging process itself should not cause pain.

4. Are digital dental X-rays safer than traditional film X-rays?

Digital systems can operate with relatively low radiation exposure and provide images quickly. Your dental team still follows appropriate radiation-safety principles regardless of the imaging system used.

5. Can dental X-rays show gum disease?

X-rays can help show changes in the bone supporting the teeth, which can provide important information when evaluating periodontal disease. However, gum disease diagnosis also requires a clinical examination of the gums.

6. Can X-rays show an infected tooth?

X-rays can sometimes reveal changes in the bone around an infected tooth root. However, an infection cannot always be diagnosed from an X-ray alone. Symptoms, clinical examination, and other diagnostic tests may also be necessary.

7. Do I need X-rays before getting dental implants?

Imaging is an important part of implant treatment planning. The type of imaging required depends on the individual case. Some patients may need three-dimensional imaging to evaluate bone and nearby anatomical structures.

8. Should I avoid dental X-rays if I am pregnant?

Tell your dentist if you are pregnant or may be pregnant. If an X-ray is clinically necessary, your dental team can consider the benefits and risks and use appropriate radiation-safety procedures.

See Beyond the Surface With Comprehensive Dental Care in Auburn

Dental X-rays provide information that cannot always be obtained by looking at the teeth and gums alone. They can help dentists identify hidden cavities, evaluate bone levels, assess tooth roots, locate impacted teeth, and plan complex treatments.

However, X-rays are only one component of a dental examination. Your dentist combines imaging with your dental history, symptoms, clinical examination, and other diagnostic information to understand your oral health.

If you are looking for dental X-rays in Auburn, WA, Nuttall Smiles can evaluate your individual needs and determine whether diagnostic imaging is appropriate.

Schedule an appointment with Nuttall Smiles for comprehensive dental care and a diagnostic approach designed to identify oral health problems as early as possible.

Nuttall Smiles

722 12th Street SE Auburn, WA 98002