Why Are Dental X-Rays Important? What Types Are There?

Why Are Dental X-Rays Important? What Types Are There?

Oct 30, 2025

We understand that dental X-rays can feel a bit intimidating, but they are a crucial tool that helps our dental professionals provide the best care for you! 🦷✨ X-rays allow us to spot cavities, infections, bone loss and even signs of potential cancer that may not be visible during a regular exam. While we respect your choice if you ever decide to decline them, remember that X-rays give us a clearer picture of your oral health and help us catch issues early—before they become bigger problems.

Panoramic dental X-rays (Pano) are an important part of dental diagnosis and treatment planning because they provide a comprehensive view of the entire mouth.
They provide a 180-degree view of the teeth, jaws, sinuses, and surrounding bone structures.

Unlike traditional X-rays that focus on specific areas, a pano provides a comprehensive view of the upper and lower jaws in a single image.
With this image we are able to monitor/look for any significant changes in the bone, disease in or around teeth, cancer screening, etc.

Bitewing X-rays

Bitewing X-rays are used to capture images of the upper and lower teeth in a specific area of the mouth, typically the back teeth (molars and premolars).
These X-rays show the crowns of the teeth and the bone levels around the crowns, which aid in diagnosis of cavities that aren’t readily diagnosable to the naked eye.

Periapical (PA) dental X-rays

Periapical (PA) dental X-rays are an important diagnostic tool for examining the roots of the teeth, supporting bone, and identifying infections or structural issues that might not be visible on the surface.
They provide a more detailed view of the tooth and its surrounding areas, aiding in accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.

Cavities are not always visible

Dental X-rays are an essential tool for helping dentists detect issues that may not be readily visible during a regular oral exam. Cavities often begin between teeth or below the gum line, areas that are hard to reach or inspect with just visual examination (even with magnification). X-rays provide a detailed image of the tooth's structure, revealing early signs of decay, even before it causes pain or visible damage. By identifying cavities early, X-rays allow dentists to treat them promptly and conservatively by preventing further damage and the need for more extensive procedures down the road.

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Tuesday

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Wednesday

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Friday

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Regular dental visits are essential for oral health, as well as protecting your overall health. That’s why we go the extra mile during your hygiene appointments – we really want you to have a smile you’re happy with for life!

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Wye Dental, 120-1020 Sherwood Dr., Sherwood Park, AB T8A 2G4

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Monday

08:00

-

04:00

Tuesday

08:00

-

08:00

Wednesday

08:00

-

04:00

Thursday

08:00

-

08:00

Friday

08:00

-

04:00

Opening Hours

Regular dental visits are essential for oral health, as well as protecting your overall health. That’s why we go the extra mile during your hygiene appointments – we really want you to have a smile you’re happy with for life!

Request an Appointment

Contact details

New patients
Existing patients
Address

Wye Dental, 120-1020 Sherwood Dr., Sherwood Park, AB T8A 2G4

Feature Image
Opening Hours

Monday

08:00

-

04:00

Tuesday

08:00

-

08:00

Wednesday

08:00

-

04:00

Thursday

08:00

-

08:00

Friday

08:00

-

04:00

Regular dental visits are essential for oral health, as well as protecting your overall health. That’s why we go the extra mile during your hygiene appointments – we really want you to have a smile you’re happy with for life!

Request an Appointment

Contact details

New patients
Existing patients
Address

Wye Dental, 120-1020 Sherwood Dr., Sherwood Park, AB T8A 2G4

Feature Image
Opening Hours

Monday

08:00

-

04:00

Tuesday

08:00

-

08:00

Wednesday

08:00

-

04:00

Thursday

08:00

-

08:00

Friday

08:00

-

04:00

Regular dental visits are essential for oral health, as well as protecting your overall health. That’s why we go the extra mile during your hygiene appointments – we really want you to have a smile you’re happy with for life!

Request an Appointment

Contact details

New patients
Existing patients
Address

Wye Dental, 120-1020 Sherwood Dr., Sherwood Park, AB T8A 2G4