Understanding Dental X-Rays

Dental X-rays are specialized photos that allow your dentist to see what lies beneath the surface of your teeth and gums. While a visual exam shows the condition of the outer teeth, X-rays reveal the hidden details inside the tooth, the surrounding bone, and areas where decay, infection, or bone loss may be developing.

What Dental X-Rays Reveal

• Early signs of tooth decay before it becomes visible to the eye
• Changes in the bone structure caused by periodontal (gum) disease
• Infections or abscesses at the root of a tooth
• Position and development of emerging or impacted teeth
• Evaluation for dental implants, crowns, and other restorations

Dr. Abalos uses X-rays to help identify the exact cause of your symptoms and design the most effective treatment plan—whether you need a simple filling, a deep cleaning, or restorative dental work.

When and Why We Take Dental X-Rays

At SunBrite Dental, new patients receive a full set of digital X-rays during their first visit. This allows us to establish a clear baseline of your oral health and create a customized care plan. For existing patients, we typically take routine checkup X-rays once a year to monitor ongoing health and detect early issues before they become major concerns.

Dr. Abalos explains: “Dental X-rays help me determine if you’re in good health and just need maintenance—or if you need treatment to get back on track. They’re how we plan for long-term health—so you and I can both grow old with all our teeth still smiling.”

Types of Dental X-Rays We Use

• Bitewing X-Rays – Two-dimensional black-and-white images used to detect cavities between teeth and monitor bone levels.
• Periapical X-Rays – Show the full tooth, from crown to root, and reveal infections, abscesses, or bone loss.
• Panoramic X-Rays (Pano) – Capture the entire mouth in one image, often used for children and teens to monitor tooth development and alignment.
• 3D Cone Beam CT (CBCT) Scans – Advanced imaging that creates a three-dimensional model of your teeth, jaw, and bone structure—used for implant planning and complex diagnostics.

For children, panoramic X-rays help identify if adult teeth are developing properly or if certain teeth are missing, allowing Dr. Abalos to plan orthodontic or restorative treatments early.

Are Dental X-Rays Safe?

Absolutely. At SunBrite Dental, we use digital X-ray technology, which emits minimal radiation—significantly less than traditional film X-rays and even less than what you’re exposed to while standing in front of a microwave. Our protective lead aprons and digital imaging systems ensure every patient’s safety, including expectant mothers.

Dr. Abalos notes, “I’ve worked around dental X-rays through both of my pregnancies. Digital X-rays are completely safe when performed correctly.”

Detecting Periodontal Disease with X-Rays

X-rays are a vital tool in diagnosing and tracking periodontal disease (gum disease). By examining bone height and density around the teeth, Dr. Abalos can identify whether the bone and gums are receding. Early detection allows us to treat gum disease before it leads to tooth loss or bone damage.

Insurance Coverage for Dental X-Rays

Most dental insurance plans cover full-mouth X-rays—typically once every 12, 24, or 60 months, depending on your provider and employer agreement. Plans such as Delta Dental, MetLife, and Cigna often include routine bitewing or panoramic X-rays at little to no out-of-pocket cost.

If another dental office has already billed your insurance for a full-mouth X-ray within your plan’s coverage period, it may not be covered again until your benefits renew. Our team can verify your coverage and assist with coordinating benefits before your appointment.

When Should You Schedule a Dental X-Ray?

If you’re new to the area, looking for a new dentist, or haven’t had X-rays in over a year, it’s time to schedule your next exam. X-rays are crucial even if nothing hurts—many dental issues, like cavities or early gum disease, develop silently. Regular X-rays ensure we can catch and treat issues before they cause pain or lead to more expensive procedures.

Call (702) 459-0303 or visit SunBrite Dental at 560 N Nellis Blvd Ste E8, Las Vegas, NV 89110 to schedule your next appointment and experience advanced, compassionate dental care.