What Are Dental X-Rays?
Dental X-rays are specialized radiographic images that allow dentists to see inside your teeth and below your gums—areas invisible to the naked eye. They use very small amounts of radiation to create detailed pictures of your teeth, bone, and soft tissues. At Putramahkota Dental Clinic in Mahkota Cheras Kajang, we use modern digital X-ray technology to provide the clearest images with minimal radiation exposure.
Dental X-ray machine
Types of Dental X-Rays
1. Intraoral X-Rays (Inside the Mouth)
These X-rays are taken with the sensor placed inside your mouth.
a. Periapical (PA) X-Rays:
•Shows the entire tooth from crown to root
•Reveals problems at the root tip
•Best for: Root canals, abscesses, implant planning
b. Bitewings X-Rays:
•Shows upper and lower teeth together
•Reveals cavities between teeth
•Best for: Detecting interproximal cavities, bone loss
c. Occlusal X-Rays:
•Shows the floor of the mouth
•Reveals the full arch of teeth
•Best for: Detecting impacted teeth, supernumerary teeth
2. Extraoral X-Rays (Outside the Mouth)
These X-rays are taken with the sensor outside your mouth.
a. Panoramic X-Ray (OPG – Orthopantomogram):
•Shows the entire jaw in one image
•Captures all teeth, jaw joints, and sinuses
•Best for: Wisdom teeth, implant planning, overall assessment
b. CBCT (Cone Beam Computed Tomography):
•3D imaging technology
•Most detailed imaging available
•Best for: Complex implant cases, surgical planning
c. Lateral Cephalometric X-Rays:
•Shows side profile of jaw and skull
•Best for: Orthodontic treatment planning
What is OPG (Orthopantomogram)?
An OPG is a panoramic X-ray that captures a complete view of your entire mouth in a single image. It shows:
•✅ All upper and lower teeth
•✅ Both jaw joints (TMJ)
•✅ Upper jaw bone (maxilla)
•✅ Lower jaw bone (mandible)
•✅ Sinuses
•✅ Nasal passages
Benefits of OPG:
•Single image shows entire mouth
•Excellent for initial assessment
•Minimal radiation exposure
•Quick and comfortable procedure
•Ideal for implant planning
Examples of OPG scan
Why Do You Need Dental X-Rays?
1. Detect Hidden Cavities
X-rays reveal cavities between teeth and under existing fillings that are invisible to the naked eye. Early detection means simpler, less expensive treatment.
2. Identify Gum Disease
X-rays show bone loss caused by periodontal disease. Early detection allows for preventive treatment before serious damage occurs.
3. Plan Implant Treatment
OPG and detailed X-rays show bone density and height, essential for successful implant placement. They reveal if bone grafting is needed.
4. Detect Impacted Teeth
X-rays reveal wisdom teeth and other teeth that are trapped beneath the gum or bone, helping determine if extraction is needed.
5. Assess Root Problems
X-rays show infections, cysts, or damage at the root of teeth, determining if root canal treatment is necessary.
6. Monitor Existing Conditions
Regular X-rays track the progress of ongoing dental problems and ensure treatments are working effectively.
7. Evaluate Jaw Problems
OPG shows jaw joint issues, bone fractures, and other structural problems affecting your bite and overall oral health.
8. Plan Orthodontic Treatment
X-rays help orthodontists understand tooth positioning and plan braces or aligner treatment.
9. Detect Oral Cancer
X-rays can reveal early signs of oral cancer and other serious conditions requiring immediate attention.
10. Assess Bone Health
X-rays show bone density and quality, important for overall oral health assessment and treatment planning.
Common Problems Detected by X-Rays
| Problem | Detection Method | Why It Matters |
| Cavities | Bitewing X-rays | Early treatment prevents tooth loss |
| Bone Loss | Panoramic X-rays | Indicates gum disease severity |
| Impacted Teeth | OPG or CBCT | Determines extraction need |
| Root Infections | Periapical X-rays | Determines if root canal needed |
| Cysts/Tumors | OPG or CBCT | Early detection is critical |
| Jaw Fractures | Panoramic X-rays | Guides treatment planning |
| Tooth Resorption | Periapical X-rays | Indicates serious problem |
| Bone Grafting Needs | CBCT | Essential for implant planning |
The X-Ray Procedure at Putramahkota Dental Clinic
Intraoral X-Ray Procedure (5 minutes)
1.Positioning: We place a sensor holder in your mouth
2.Bite: You gently bite on the holder
3.Exposure: The X-ray machine takes the image (less than 1 second)
4.Repeat: We may take 4-8 images of different areas
5.Results: Images appear on screen immediately
OPG Procedure (2 minutes)
1.Positioning: You stand or sit in the OPG machine
2.Bite Block: You bite gently on a plastic bite block
3.Rotation: The machine rotates around your head
4.Exposure: Captures entire mouth in one sweep
5.Results: Complete panoramic image ready instantly
Safety of Dental X-Rays
Radiation Exposure
Dental X-rays use very small amounts of radiation:
•Single intraoral X-ray: 0.005 mSv (extremely low)
•OPG panoramic X-ray: 0.007 mSv (very low)
•Annual background radiation: 2-3 mSv (natural exposure)
Comparison:
•Dental X-ray = 1/400th of annual background radiation
•One cross-country flight = 40x more radiation than dental X-ray
Safety Precautions
At Putramahkota Dental Clinic, we take safety seriously:
✅ Lead Apron: Protects your body from radiation
✅ Digital Technology: Uses 80% less radiation than traditional film
✅ Thyroid Collar: Protects thyroid gland (optional)
✅ Minimal Exposure: Only take X-rays when necessary
✅ Regular Equipment Maintenance: Ensures optimal performance
✅ Professional Training: Our staff is fully trained in radiation safety
How Often Do You Need X-Rays?
| Situation | Frequency |
| Healthy Adult | Every 1-2 years |
| High Cavity Risk | Every 6-12 months |
| Gum Disease | Every 6-12 months |
| Implant Patient | Before, during, and after treatment |
| Orthodontic Patient | Before and after treatment |
| New Patient | Initial comprehensive X-rays |
| Symptomatic Tooth | As needed for diagnosis |
Common Questions About Dental X-Rays
Q: Are dental X-rays safe?
A: Yes, extremely safe. Dental X-rays use minimal radiation—much less than natural background radiation you’re exposed to daily.
Q: Is radiation harmful?
A: At dental doses, no. The radiation is so small it doesn’t cause harm. The benefits of early detection far outweigh minimal risks.
Q: Can I refuse X-rays?
A: Yes, but we strongly recommend them. Without X-rays, we can’t detect many serious problems until they’re advanced and expensive to treat.
Q: Are X-rays necessary for children?
A: Yes, but with extra precautions. Children have developing teeth and benefit from early cavity detection.
Q: What if I’m pregnant?
A: Emergency X-rays are safe during pregnancy. We use lead aprons and thyroid collars for extra protection. Non-emergency X-rays are postponed until after pregnancy.
Q: Why do I need OPG if I have intraoral X-rays?
A: OPG shows the complete jaw structure, bone levels, and wisdom teeth positioning—information intraoral X-rays can’t provide.
Q: How long do X-rays take?
A: Intraoral: 5 minutes. OPG: 2 minutes. Results are instant with digital technology.
Q: Can I see my X-rays?
A: Yes! We show all patients their X-rays and explain findings. Digital X-rays make this easy on screen.
Q: What if I have metal implants or braces?
A: Metal can create artifacts (shadows) on X-rays, but we can still get diagnostic images. CBCT may be needed for complex cases.
Why Choose Putramahkota Dental Clinic for X-Rays?
✅ Digital Technology – Latest equipment with minimal radiation
✅ Expert Interpretation – Experienced dentists analyze every image
✅ Patient Education – We explain findings clearly
✅ Safety First – Lead aprons and thyroid collars always used
✅ Quick Results – Instant digital images on screen
✅ Affordable Pricing – Competitive rates in Mahkota Cheras
✅ Comfortable Experience – Gentle, painless procedure
✅ Comprehensive Assessment – Multiple X-ray types available
Ready for Your Dental X-Ray?
Don’t wait for pain or problems to develop. Regular X-rays help us catch issues early when treatment is simpler and more affordable.
Contact Klinik Pergigian Putramahkota in Mahkota Cheras today:
📞 Phone: +60164892387 / 03-90114487
💬 WhatsApp: +60164892387
📍 Address: 32A, Jalan Temenggung 7/9, Bandar Mahkota Cheras, 43200 Cheras, Selangor
🌐 Website: putramahkotadentalclinic.com
🕐 Hours: 7 Days a Week
Book Your X-Ray Appointment Now! We’ll provide a comprehensive assessment and explain exactly what we find.