Periapical and Bitewing Dental Radiographic Examination (Intraoral X-ray)
This test involves taking X-ray images of your teeth and surrounding bone structure to check for issues like cavities, bone loss, or other dental problems.
["Dental X-rays help detect early signs of dental issues that may not be visible during a regular exam."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 46386-9
- Short code
- XR Teeth Views bitewing
- Synonyms
- XR Teeth Views bitewing
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- xr
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What This Test Involves
A dental professional will place a specialized sensor inside your mouth to capture detailed images of your teeth and jawbone. These images are used to examine the health of your teeth, gums, and bone structure, including areas not visible during a regular dental checkup.
Why It’s Done
Your dentist or oral health provider may recommend bitewing X-rays to monitor tooth decay between teeth, assess bone levels in the jaw, or check for signs of periodontal disease. Periapical X-rays are used to examine the entire tooth, including the root and surrounding bone, often for root infections or other issues.
Preparation
No special preparation is needed for dental X-rays. You may need to remove any dental appliances or jewelry that could interfere with the images.
What to Expect During the Procedure
The procedure is quick and painless. You’ll sit comfortably while the X-ray sensor is placed in your mouth. You may feel a slight pressure, but no discomfort. The images are taken in seconds.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Dental X-rays play a critical role in diagnosing dental issues early. They help identify cavities, bone loss due to periodontal disease, infections around the tooth roots, and other conditions that may not be apparent during a visual examination. Early detection can lead to timely treatment and better outcomes.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I get bitewing or periapical X-rays?
Are dental X-rays safe?
Can I eat or drink before the X-ray?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy