Periapical

What Is a Periapical X-ray?

It’s an intraoral X-ray (the film/sensor is placed inside the mouth). It usually covers 1–3 teeth in the same image and reveals, in great detail, the entire tooth structure and surrounding tissues.

What It Reveals

Depth of decay — how close it has reached the pulp
Root infections (abscesses)
Cysts in the bone around the root
Callus formation or bone alterations
Root fractures
Extra or impacted teeth
Quality of old root canal sealing
Root resorption (internal or external)
Relationship of the tooth to adjacent structures (nerves, sinus)
Progress of endodontic treatment

When Periapical X-rays Are Needed

Pain or sensitivity in a specific tooth
Before, during and after root canal treatment
Suspected infection or abscess
Before tooth extraction
Before placement or check of an implant
In periodontal assessment for bone loss evaluation
After tooth trauma
To check the fit of a crown or prosthetic restoration

The Procedure

Preparation

You wear a protective lead apron and — where needed — a thyroid collar.

Sensor placement

We place a small digital sensor (similar size to old film) or a special holder arm inside your mouth, behind the tooth being examined.

Exposure (0.1 seconds):

Exposure is almost instantaneous. You stay still for less than a second.

Immediate result:

The image appears on screen within 2–3 seconds. We can enlarge it, adjust contrast and discuss it with you.

Benefits of Digital Periapical

Up to 90% less radiation than older analogue methods
Immediate results — no waiting
High resolution and digital enhancement capability
Precise distance measurement
Easy storage & comparison with previous X-rays
Smaller, more flexible sensor — more comfortable for the patient

How Often Are They Needed?

Periapical X-rays aren't taken routinely — only when there's a specific clinical indication:
Pain or problem in a specific tooth
In root canal treatment: 2–4 X-rays before, during and after
In implants: initial + after osseointegration + after final restoration
In annual check-ups: only on teeth with known issues

Everything You Need to Know

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Are periapical X-rays safe?

Yes. A digital periapical emits ~0.005 mSv — an extremely low dose, equivalent to ~1 day of natural environmental radiation. With a lead apron and thyroid collar, risk is negligible.

Are they uncomfortable?

Very rarely. In some patients, the back of the mouth may trigger a brief gag reflex (counteracted by keeping the tongue forward). But each one lasts only 1–2 seconds.

How many do I need for a root canal?

Usually 2–4: one diagnostic at the start, 1–2 during (for length determination and seal check), and one final. For a follow-up at 6–12 months, another may be needed.

Can they replace a panoramic?

No, and vice versa. They serve different purposes. The periapical provides HIGH DETAIL for 1–3 teeth; the panoramic provides an OVERALL VIEW of the whole mouth but with less detail per tooth.

Are they safe for children?

Yes. With digital technology and a lead apron, periapicals are safe even for children. We use smaller sensors specially designed for paediatric mouths.

Can I refuse?

Of course. But certain treatments (root canal, implants, accurate pain diagnosis) can’t be done properly without them. At Dentistar, we always explain why one is needed and what the alternatives are.