If you've never had dental x-rays before, or it's been a while since, knowing what to expect makes the appointment easier. Here's a straightforward walkthrough of what happens at Kalaheo Dental.
Types of Dental X-Rays
Not every appointment uses the same type of x-ray. Your dentist selects the type based on what they need to see.
- Bitewing x-rays include the upper and lower back teeth side by side. Our dentists use them to find decay between teeth that can be difficult to spot in a visual exam, and to check bone levels. These are the most common x-rays taken at routine visits.
- Panoramic x-rays capture the entire mouth in a single image, including all teeth, the jaw, and surrounding structures. You stand still while the machine rotates around your head. No film goes inside the mouth.
- Full-mouth x-rays combine multiple individual images to cover every tooth and root. We typically take them at the first visit or after a long gap between appointments.
What Happens During a Dental X-Ray Appointment
At Kalaheo Dental, we place a lead apron over your chest and lap before we begin the imaging process. For bitewing and full-mouth x-rays, we position a small sensor or film holder inside your mouth.
You bite down gently to hold it in place while we take the image. We repeat this process for each area we’re imaging.
Most routine x-ray appointments take between 10 and 20 minutes. A full-mouth series takes a little longer.
Tips for Nervous Patients
Tell your dental team before the appointment starts. Small adjustments, like taking breaks between images or using a smaller sensor, can make the process more comfortable. There is no radiation exposure during the time between images, so there is no need to rush.
Contact Kalaheo Dental for dental imaging in Kalaheo, Hawaii, to book your next appointment.