Dental X-rays are used in dentistry as an auxiliary diagnostic tool. They allow the dentist to assess the condition of the teeth and surrounding bone. There are several types of dental X-rays, but the two most commonly used in everyday practice are the OPT scan and the periapical scan.
OPT dental X-ray
An orthopantomogram (OPT or panoramic X-ray) shows the upper and lower jaws in their entirety, along with the surrounding bone structures. It is a two-dimensional image of the entire jaw apparatus and can be produced on film or in digital form on a CD.
This X-ray provides an overview of the general condition of the oral cavity, but it is not precise enough for a detailed assessment of each tooth. On an OPT scan, we can observe:
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the position of erupted and unerupted teeth,
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the surrounding bone, pathological changes, or periodontal pockets,
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the condition of the bone and potential lesions,
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the proximity of the upper teeth to the sinuses, as well as possible sinus changes,
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the state of the bone after dental procedures (tooth extraction, implant placement),
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the presence of focal infections in patients preparing for surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy.
It is important to note that OPT scans cannot be used to evaluate the health of each tooth individually, as they are not sufficiently precise. For that purpose, periapical X-rays are used.
Periapical dental X-ray
The periapical, or targeted X-ray, provides a much more precise assessment of an individual tooth. It is used in the following situations:
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detecting dental caries,
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diagnosing chronic inflammation of the pulp with lesions at the root tip,
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evaluating the condition of a tooth after trauma,
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monitoring and assessing root canal treatment, including the quality of root filling.
3D dental scan
A 3D scan is not used in everyday practice but only when additional precision and measurement of jaw structures are required. With a 3D scan, it is possible to zoom in and measure all anatomical details in the bone.
It is used in the following cases:
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after root canal treatment, when periapical scans are not sufficient,
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in implant planning – it is mandatory to perform a 3D scan of the jaw to accurately determine the placement of the implant.
How often should dental X-rays be taken?
A common question from patients is how often dental X-rays can be taken and whether old scans can be reused. There is no strictly defined timeframe for repeating dental X-rays; it depends on the condition of the teeth, the patient’s age, and their symptoms.
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Children: due to rapid tooth development and changes, X-rays may be needed more frequently, depending on the dentist’s recommendation.
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Adults: an OPT scan is generally valid for up to one year from the date it was taken.
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After dental treatment: a control periapical scan is recommended one year after the procedure.
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Patients with periodontitis: an OPT scan should be taken every two years to monitor bone condition and gum recession.
