Dental X-rays let your dentist see problems that are not visible during an exam, such as decay between teeth, infection at the root, bone loss from gum disease, and impacted teeth. The main types of dental imaging are bitewing, periapical, panoramic, and occlusal X-rays, plus 3D cone beam CT (CBCT) scans for more complex planning. How often you need X-rays depends on your oral health and risk, not a fixed schedule. This guide explains why dental X-rays in Mississauga are taken, the types, safety, frequency, and what to expect at Tomken Dental.
Why Are Dental X-Rays Needed?
X-rays show what lies beneath the surface of teeth and gums, including:
• Decay between teeth or under fillings that cannot be seen directly
• Bone levels that show gum disease or bone loss
• Infections or abscesses at the tips of roots
• Impacted or developing teeth, such as wisdom teeth
• Jawbone health and anatomy before implants or orthodontic treatment
• Cysts or other changes in the jaw that need further assessment
Finding problems early often means simpler treatment. X-rays are also used to plan treatment and to monitor fillings, crowns, root canals, and implants over time.
Types of Dental Imaging
| Type | What it shows | Common uses |
| Bitewing | Crowns of upper and lower back teeth and the spaces between them | Decay between teeth, bone levels, fillings |
| Periapical | One or two whole teeth from crown to root tip and surrounding bone | Root infection, abscess, injury |
| Panoramic | The whole mouth, both jaws, and nearby structures in one image | Wisdom teeth, growth, jaw overview |
| Occlusal | The floor or roof of the mouth and a full arch | Children’s tooth development, some jaw conditions |
| Cone beam CT (CBCT) | 3D view of teeth, bone, nerves, and sinuses | Implants, complex root canals, impacted teeth, jaw joint |
Bitewing X-rays
Bitewings show the crowns of the upper and lower back teeth in one image. They are useful for finding decay between teeth and checking the bone level between teeth.
Periapical X-rays
A periapical image shows an entire tooth and the bone around the root tip. It is often used when a specific tooth hurts or when root canal treatment is being planned or checked.
Panoramic X-rays
A panoramic image shows both jaws and all the teeth in one picture. It is useful for assessing wisdom teeth, tooth development in children, and the jaws as a whole.
Occlusal X-rays
Occlusal images capture a full arch of teeth from above or below. They are used less often, mainly to check tooth development or specific areas of the jaw.
Cone beam CT (CBCT)
A CBCT scan creates a 3D image of the teeth, bone, nerves, and sinuses. It is used when 2D X-rays do not give enough information, such as implant planning, complex root canals, impacted teeth, and jaw joint assessment. Tomken Dental has an in-house CBCT scanner. Learn more about CBCT 3D imaging at Tomken Dental and our CBCT explainer.
Are Dental X-Rays Safe?
Dental X-rays use low doses of radiation, and dental offices follow safety practices designed to keep exposure as low as reasonably achievable. In Canada, Health Canada’s Safety Code 30 on radiation protection in dentistry, updated in 2022, sets out recommended practices for the safe use of dental X-ray equipment, including intra-oral, panoramic, and CBCT units. Key principles include taking X-rays only when they are clinically justified and using techniques that limit dose. If you have questions about radiation or shielding, ask your dental team before your images are taken.
How Often Do You Need Dental X-Rays?
There is no single schedule for everyone. Your dentist decides how often you need X-rays based on:
• Your history of cavities and current risk of decay
• Gum health and bone levels
• Your age and whether teeth are still developing
• Existing dental work, such as fillings, crowns, root canals, or implants
• New symptoms, such as pain or swelling
• Planned treatment, such as implants or orthodontics
People with frequent cavities or gum disease may need X-rays more often, while people with healthy teeth and low risk may need them less often. If you have recent X-rays from another office, ask for them to be sent over; Tomken Dental’s transfer of records page explains how.
What Happens During a Dental X-Ray?
1. Preparation: you sit in the dental chair; let the team know if you are or may be pregnant.
2. Positioning: for intra-oral X-rays, a small sensor is placed in your mouth and you bite gently on a holder. For panoramic or CBCT scans, you stand or sit while the machine rotates around your head.
3. Image capture: you hold still for a few seconds while the image is taken.
4. Review: your dentist reviews the images and explains any findings and next steps.
Most X-rays take only a few minutes. If you have a strong gag reflex, tell the team; positioning can often be adjusted.
Dental X-Rays During Pregnancy
Tell your dental team if you are or may be pregnant. X-rays may still be appropriate when they are needed for diagnosis or treatment, and your dentist will discuss the benefits and precautions with you. Routine imaging that can safely wait may be postponed.
Dental X-Rays for Children
Children may need X-rays to check for decay between teeth, monitor developing adult teeth, and plan orthodontic care. The type and frequency depend on the child’s age, risk of decay, and development. Learn more about family and children’s dental services at Tomken Dental.
Dental X-Rays and Treatment Planning
X-rays are an important part of planning many treatments:
• Root canals: to see root shape and length and check healing. See root canal therapy at Tomken Dental.
• Implants: to assess bone height and width and locate nerves and sinuses. See dental implants at Tomken Dental.
• Extractions: to see root shape and nearby structures. See tooth extractions at Tomken Dental.
• Orthodontics: to assess teeth, roots, and jaw development.
CBCT Referrals for Other Dental Offices
Tomken Dental accepts CBCT referrals from other dental offices. After the scan, the full CBCT dataset and report are typically forwarded to the referring office within 24 to 48 hours. Dentists can learn more on the CT scan referral page.
Do Dental X-Rays Cost Extra?
X-rays are often billed as part of an exam or treatment visit. Many dental plans cover routine X-rays, often with limits on how often they are covered, such as bitewings at set intervals and panoramic images every few years. CBCT coverage varies more. Check your plan or ask for a predetermination for CBCT imaging. Eligible members of the Canadian Dental Care Plan can check the official CDCP coverage page, and Tomken Dental bills the CDCP directly for eligible services.
Digital X-Rays and Intra-Oral Scans: What Is the Difference?
Digital X-rays use radiation to show structures inside teeth and bone. Intra-oral scans use light to create a 3D model of the outside surfaces of your teeth and gums, which is used for crowns, aligners, and other appliances. Scans do not replace X-rays for finding decay inside teeth or problems in the bone, but they reduce the need for traditional impression material.
What Dental X-Rays Can and Cannot Show
| X-rays can help show | X-rays cannot show on their own |
| Decay between teeth and under fillings | Early surface staining |
| Bone loss from gum disease | Gum inflammation in soft tissue |
| Infection around root tips | Exact cause of every type of pain |
| Impacted or missing teeth | Sensitivity levels |
| Fit of crowns and fillings | Soft tissue lesions on the surface |
That is why X-rays are combined with a clinical exam, a gum assessment, and your history.
Preparing for Your X-Rays
• Remove glasses, earrings, or removable appliances if asked.
• Tell the team if you are or may be pregnant.
• Mention a strong gag reflex or jaw discomfort.
• Bring copies of recent X-rays from another office, or ask for them to be transferred.
How Long Are X-Ray Results Kept?
Dental offices keep X-rays as part of your dental record. Having past images helps your dentist compare changes over time, such as bone levels or the condition of a root canal. If you change dental offices, you can request a copy of your records.
Questions to Ask About Your X-Rays
• Why are these X-rays recommended today?
• What type of image is being taken?
• What did the images show?
• When will I need the next set?
• Is a CBCT scan needed for my treatment, and why?
Dental Imaging Before Implants
Implant planning needs accurate information about bone height, width, and density, and the location of nerves and sinuses. A CBCT scan provides this in 3D, helping the dentist choose the implant size and position and decide whether bone grafting is needed. Without this information, the risk of complications can be higher. Learn more about dental implants at Tomken Dental at Tomken Dental.
Dental Imaging for Jaw Joint and Airway Concerns
In some cases, imaging helps assess the jaw joints or the airway, for example when evaluating jaw pain or snoring. A CBCT scan can show the bony parts of the jaw joint, while soft tissue problems may need other assessment. Your dentist will explain whether imaging is useful for your symptoms. Learn more about TMJ therapy in Mississauga and sleep apnea and snoring care at Tomken Dental.
How Your Dentist Reads Your X-Rays
Your dentist looks for dark areas that may show decay or infection, changes in bone height around teeth, the shape and length of roots, and the fit of existing fillings and crowns. Comparing new images with previous ones helps spot slow changes over time. Ask your dentist to show you the images and point out what they see, so you understand the findings and the reasons for any treatment.
Types of Dental Imaging: Quick Summary
Bitewings check for decay between teeth and bone levels. Periapical images show whole teeth and root tips. Panoramic images give an overview of both jaws. Occlusal images show a full arch. CBCT scans provide 3D detail for complex planning. Your dentist chooses the type, or combination, that answers the clinical question with the least exposure needed.
Common Myths About Dental X-Rays
• “X-rays are taken every visit.” Frequency depends on your needs and risk.
• “If nothing hurts, I don’t need X-rays.” Decay and bone loss can develop without pain.
• “All dental X-rays are the same.” Each type shows different information.
• “CBCT is used for every patient.” It is used when 3D information is needed.
Keeping Your Imaging Records Up to Date
If you have had X-rays or scans at another dental office, hospital, or specialist, let the team know. Recent images may reduce the need to repeat them, and older images help your dentist compare changes over time. Tomken Dental can request records from your previous office with your consent, and you can ask for copies of your own records if you move to another practice. Keeping records together gives your dentist a more complete picture of your oral health.
Key Takeaways
• Dental X-rays show decay, infection, bone loss, and other problems that are not visible.
• The main types of dental imaging are bitewing, periapical, panoramic, occlusal, and CBCT.
• Frequency depends on your oral health and risk.
• Health Canada’s Safety Code 30 guides safe use of dental X-ray equipment.
• Tomken Dental has an in-house CBCT scanner and accepts referrals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are dental X-rays safe?
Dental X-rays use low radiation doses, and offices follow Health Canada guidance to keep exposure as low as reasonably achievable.
How often should I get dental X-rays?
It depends on your risk of decay, gum health, age, and dental history. Your dentist will recommend a schedule for you.
Can dental X-rays detect cavities?
Yes. Bitewing X-rays are especially useful for finding decay between teeth and under fillings.
What is the difference between a panoramic X-ray and a CBCT scan?
A panoramic X-ray is a 2D image of both jaws. A CBCT scan is a 3D image used when more detailed information is needed.
Do I need X-rays before getting dental implants?
Yes. Imaging, often including a CBCT scan, is used to assess bone and plan implant placement.
Book Your Dental Exam in Mississauga
If you are due for a check-up or have a concern that needs imaging, request an appointment at Tomken Dental, Tomken Plaza, 925 Rathburn Road East. We are open Monday to Thursday 10 am to 6 pm, Friday 10 am to 5 pm, and Saturday 10 am to 3 pm.
*This article is general information, not dental advice for your situation.*