Dental CT Scan Center

Dental X-ray and 3D Imaging in Rangsit

Dental X-rays provide images of teeth, roots, jawbone and surrounding structures that may not be fully visible during a routine examination.

Different imaging methods answer different clinical questions. A small intraoral X-ray may be suitable for examining an individual tooth, while a panoramic image provides a broader view of both jaws. Cone beam computed tomography, or CBCT, produces three-dimensional information for selected complex cases.

At SWC Dental in Rangsit, the dentist selects the type and area of imaging according to the patient’s symptoms, examination findings, previous records and proposed treatment. Not every patient requires every type of dental X-ray.

What Is a Dental X-ray?

A dental X-ray, also called a dental radiograph, uses a controlled amount of ionising radiation to create an image of structures inside and around the mouth.

Dental X-rays may help the dentist evaluate:

Tooth decay that is not clearly visible during examination
Tooth roots
Bone surrounding the teeth
Dental infections
Previous root canal treatment
Impacted or unerupted teeth
Missing and developing teeth
Gum-related bone loss
Jaw relationships
Existing fillings, crowns and bridges
Dental implant sites
Selected abnormalities of the jaws
Changes that require monitoring

An X-ray image does not provide a complete diagnosis by itself. It should be interpreted together with the patient’s symptoms, clinical examination, dental history and other relevant records.

Why Might a Dentist Recommend Dental Imaging?

Dental imaging may be recommended when the expected information could influence diagnosis, treatment planning or monitoring.

Possible reasons include:

Persistent tooth pain
Pain when biting
Sensitivity to hot or cold
Suspected tooth decay
Swelling or dental infection
A cracked or damaged tooth
Planning root canal treatment
Assessing gum and bone support
Evaluating an impacted wisdom tooth
Planning dental implant treatment
Planning orthodontic treatment
Checking tooth development in children
Assessing a dental injury
Reviewing an existing crown, bridge or implant
Investigating a tooth that has changed colour
Monitoring a condition identified previously

Dental X-rays should not be ordered solely because a fixed amount of time has passed. The appropriate timing depends on the individual patient’s risk and clinical needs.

Types of Dental X-rays

Dental radiographs are commonly divided into intraoral and extraoral imaging.

Intraoral images are captured with the image receptor positioned inside the mouth. They provide detailed views of selected teeth and surrounding structures.

Extraoral imaging is captured with the receptor and equipment outside the mouth. It provides a wider view of the teeth, jaws, skull or facial relationships.

Intraoral Dental X-rays

Bitewing X-rays

Bitewing images commonly show the crowns of the upper and lower back teeth in the same area.

They may help the dentist assess:

Decay between neighbouring teeth
Decay beneath or around existing restorations
The fit of selected crowns or fillings
The level of supporting bone in the imaged area
Areas that are difficult to inspect directly

Bitewing X-rays do not show the full length of the tooth roots.

The number and frequency of bitewing images depend on the patient’s age, decay risk, tooth contacts, symptoms and previous findings.

Periapical X-rays

A periapical X-ray shows the tooth from the crown to the end of the root together with surrounding bone.

It may be used to assess:

Root shape and length
Infection around the root
Deep tooth decay
Previous root canal treatment
Dental trauma
Root resorption
Supporting bone
A tooth before extraction
A tooth with persistent pain
Healing after selected treatment

Periapical imaging is commonly used during root canal assessment and treatment.

Occlusal X-rays

An occlusal radiograph covers a larger section of the upper or lower dental arch than a standard periapical image.

It may be considered for:

Tooth development
Unerupted or additional teeth
Selected foreign objects
Jaw expansion
Localised trauma
Certain conditions in children
Areas that are difficult to capture with another intraoral technique

Occlusal imaging is not required routinely for every patient.

Extraoral Dental Imaging

Panoramic X-ray

A panoramic X-ray creates a broad two-dimensional image of the upper and lower jaws.

It may show:

Upper and lower teeth
Tooth roots
Developing teeth
Impacted wisdom teeth
Jawbone
Portions of the jaw joints
Maxillary sinus regions
Selected abnormalities
Previous dental treatment

A panoramic image may be useful when assessing:

Wisdom teeth
Multiple missing teeth
General tooth development
Orthodontic records
Extensive dental treatment
Denture or implant planning
Jaw conditions
Teeth that have not erupted normally

Panoramic imaging provides a broad overview but does not offer the same fine detail as a well-positioned intraoral image for certain individual teeth.

Cephalometric X-ray

A cephalometric radiograph is commonly taken from the side of the head.

It shows the relationship between:

Teeth
Upper jaw
Lower jaw
Skull
Facial profile
Selected soft-tissue outlines

Cephalometric imaging is commonly used as part of orthodontic assessment for braces, clear aligners or selected jaw-surgery planning.

The image supports measurement and treatment planning but does not predict an exact treatment result.

Cone Beam Computed Tomography

Cone beam computed tomography, commonly called CBCT, captures image data from multiple angles and reconstructs it into a three-dimensional volume.

It may allow the dentist to review structures in different planes without the same degree of anatomical overlap found in two-dimensional images.

CBCT may be considered for selected cases involving:

Dental implant planning
Impacted teeth
Complex wisdom tooth relationships
Selected root canal problems
Dental trauma
Root resorption
Complex jaw anatomy
Selected oral-surgery planning
Impacted teeth during orthodontic planning
Full-mouth or complex restorative planning
Evaluation of selected abnormalities

CBCT is not necessary for every patient and should not automatically replace intraoral, panoramic or cephalometric imaging.

Dental X-ray Compared with CBCT

Topic	Conventional dental X-ray	Dental CBCT
Image format	Two-dimensional	Three-dimensional
Typical role	Routine or localised dental assessment	Selected complex diagnosis and planning
Detail	High detail in the selected two-dimensional view	Multiple planes and three-dimensional relationships
Anatomical overlap	May occur	Reduced through multiplanar review
Radiation exposure	Generally lower	Generally higher and varies by protocol
Scan area	Small or broad depending on image type	Small, medium or larger field of view
Routine use	Common when clinically indicated	Not required for every patient
Best use	Depends on the clinical question	Depends on whether 3D information is needed

One imaging method is not universally better than another. The appropriate image is the one that provides the information needed for the individual situation while avoiding unnecessary exposure.

What Can Dental X-rays Help Detect?

Dental images may support the assessment of several conditions.

Tooth decay

Decay between teeth or beneath an existing restoration may not always be visible during a clinical examination.

Bitewing or selected periapical images may help identify areas that require closer examination.

An X-ray finding should be interpreted together with the clinical condition before deciding whether a dental filling or another treatment is needed.

Dental infection

Changes around a tooth root may suggest inflammation or infection.

Imaging may support planning for:

Root canal treatment
Retreatment
Extraction
Monitoring
Referral
Additional investigation

Not every painful tooth will show an obvious change on an X-ray, particularly during the early stages of some conditions.

Gum disease and bone loss

Dental X-rays may show the level and pattern of bone supporting the teeth.

They may be used together with periodontal pocket measurements during gum disease assessment.

X-rays do not show gum inflammation directly and cannot replace a clinical periodontal examination.

Impacted teeth

Panoramic imaging may show the position of a tooth that has not erupted normally.

CBCT may be considered when more detailed three-dimensional information is needed, such as the relationship between an impacted tooth and nearby roots, nerves or anatomical structures.

Dental trauma

After an injury, imaging may help assess:

Tooth fracture
Root fracture
Tooth displacement
Supporting bone
Developing teeth
Changes around the root
Possible complications

Some injuries require follow-up because changes may not appear immediately.

Existing restorations

Dental imaging may support the assessment of:

Large fillings
Dental crowns
Bridges
Root canal fillings
Dental implants
Areas of suspected leakage or decay
Supporting bone

Imaging cannot identify every crack, loose restoration or surface defect.

Dental Imaging for Root Canal Treatment

Root canal treatment commonly uses selected intraoral radiographs.

Images may be taken to help assess:

Root length and shape
Number and position of canals
Infection around the root
Previous treatment
Working length during treatment
Root filling
Healing during follow-up

CBCT may be considered in selected complex cases, such as unusual anatomy, persistent symptoms, suspected resorption or difficulty identifying a canal.

It should not automatically replace conventional intraoral imaging for routine root canal treatment.

Dental Imaging for Wisdom Teeth

A panoramic X-ray is often used to obtain an initial overview of wisdom tooth position.

The dentist may assess:

Tooth angle
Root development
Relationship to neighbouring teeth
Available space
Surrounding bone
Possible pathology
General relationship with nearby anatomical structures

CBCT may be considered when a two-dimensional image does not provide enough information for treatment planning.

Not every patient undergoing wisdom tooth removal requires a CBCT scan.

Dental Imaging for Dental Implants

Imaging is an important part of implant assessment.

The dentist may evaluate:

Available bone height and width
Jawbone contour
Neighbouring roots
Maxillary sinus position
Lower jaw nerve canal
Available restorative space
Existing dental disease
Proposed implant position

CBCT may provide three-dimensional information for selected implant cases.

Imaging supports planning but does not by itself confirm that implant treatment is appropriate. Gum health, medical history, oral hygiene, bite and restorative factors must also be assessed.

Dental Imaging for Orthodontic Treatment

Orthodontic records may include:

Photographs
Intraoral scans or impressions
Panoramic X-ray
Cephalometric X-ray
Selected intraoral images
CBCT in specific complex cases

The required records depend on:

Tooth development
Impacted teeth
Jaw relationships
Root position
Previous treatment
Proposed orthodontic plan

CBCT is not a routine requirement for every orthodontic patient.

Dental X-rays for Children

Children may need dental imaging when it is expected to help answer a specific clinical question.

Possible indications include:

Decay between teeth
Dental trauma
Delayed or unusual tooth eruption
Missing or additional teeth
Tooth-development concerns
Orthodontic assessment
Infection
Monitoring selected conditions

The type and frequency should be based on the child’s symptoms, development, decay risk, previous images and ability to cooperate.

A child should not automatically receive the same imaging schedule as an adult.

Are Dental X-rays Safe?

Dental X-rays use ionising radiation.

The amount of exposure varies according to:

Type of image
Equipment
Sensor or detector
Scan area
Exposure settings
Patient size
Image resolution
Number of images
Need for repeat imaging

The dentist should recommend imaging when the expected clinical benefit justifies the exposure.

The selected technique should provide sufficient diagnostic information without using a larger area, higher setting or greater number of images than required.

No dental X-ray should be described as having zero radiation or zero risk.

Radiation Exposure from CBCT

CBCT generally uses more radiation than standard two-dimensional dental X-rays, although the amount varies considerably between machines and protocols.

Exposure may be affected by:

Field of view
Voxel size
Image resolution
Scan time
Machine settings
Patient size
Area being examined

A smaller field of view may be suitable when only a localised area needs assessment.

CBCT is commonly associated with lower exposure than conventional medical CT of the same general region, but this comparison does not mean CBCT has less exposure than routine dental X-rays.

Dental X-rays During Pregnancy

Tell the dental team if you are pregnant or may be pregnant.

Pregnancy does not mean that all dental imaging is automatically prohibited. The dentist should consider:

The urgency of the dental problem
The expected clinical benefit
Available previous images
Alternative methods
The area being examined
The imaging protocol
Whether treatment can reasonably be delayed

Necessary imaging may be appropriate when it is required to diagnose or manage an urgent dental condition.

The decision should be made according to the individual situation rather than a blanket rule.

Do I Need a Lead Apron?

Radiation-protection recommendations and local requirements can change over time and may differ between jurisdictions and equipment protocols.

The clinic should follow current professional guidance, Thai regulations, equipment requirements and its own radiation-safety procedures.

Patients should not interpret the presence or absence of a lead apron as the only measure of imaging safety.

Appropriate image selection, beam limitation, exposure settings, equipment maintenance, operator training and avoiding unnecessary repeat images are also important.

What Happens During an Intraoral X-ray?

1. Preparation

You may be asked to remove removable objects that interfere with the area being imaged.

2. Sensor placement

A small digital sensor or image receptor is positioned inside the mouth near the teeth being examined.

3. Positioning

The dental team aligns the X-ray tube with the tooth and sensor.

4. Image capture

You will be asked to remain still while the image is taken.

5. Image review

The image appears on the system for the dentist to evaluate.

Some patients may find the sensor uncomfortable, particularly when they have a small mouth, strong gag reflex or tender tissues. Tell the dental team if positioning is difficult.

What Happens During a Panoramic or Cephalometric X-ray?

Before imaging, you may be asked to remove:

Glasses
Earrings
Necklaces
Hairpins
Removable dentures
Oral jewellery
Other metal objects near the head and neck

The dental team positions your head in the machine and may ask you to bite gently on a positioning guide.

The equipment rotates or moves around the head while you remain still.

Movement or incorrect positioning may reduce image quality and make repeat imaging necessary.

What Happens During a CBCT Scan?

1. Clinical review

The dentist confirms the reason for the scan and reviews relevant existing images.

2. Scan-area selection

The field of view is selected according to the structures that need to be examined.

3. Removal of interfering objects

Metal items around the head and neck may need to be removed because they can create image artefacts.

4. Positioning

You will stand or sit in the machine depending on the equipment.

5. Image acquisition

The scanner rotates around the head while you remain still.

6. Image reconstruction

The captured data is reconstructed into a three-dimensional image volume.

7. Interpretation

The dentist reviews the structures relevant to the clinical question. Additional interpretation or referral may be required for selected findings.

Do Dental X-rays Hurt?

The X-ray exposure itself is not painful.

An intraoral sensor may feel uncomfortable when:

The mouth is small
The sensor contacts sensitive tissue
The patient has a strong gag reflex
A tooth or gum area is painful
Several images are required

Panoramic, cephalometric and CBCT imaging normally do not require a sensor inside the mouth, although positioning supports may be used.

Tell the dental team if you have pain, limited opening, neck problems, balance concerns or difficulty remaining still.

How Long Does Dental Imaging Take?

Image capture is generally brief, but the complete appointment may include:

Reviewing the reason for imaging
Preparation
Removing interfering objects
Positioning
Checking image quality
Processing or reconstruction
Interpretation
Discussing next steps

The total time depends on the type and number of images.

What Can Reduce Image Quality?

Image quality may be affected by:

Patient movement
Incorrect positioning
Metal jewellery
Removable dental appliances
Orthodontic brackets
Large metal restorations
Dental implants
A strong gag reflex
Incomplete coverage of the required area
Technical errors
Image artefacts

An image may need to be repeated if it cannot answer the intended clinical question.

The dental team should aim to avoid unnecessary repeat images through appropriate preparation and positioning.

Do I Need to Prepare for a Dental X-ray?

Most dental X-rays do not require fasting or medication changes.

Before the appointment:

Bring a referral if another clinician requested the image
Bring previous dental images when available
Inform the team if you are pregnant or may be pregnant
Explain any difficulty standing or remaining still
Mention a strong gag reflex
Tell the team about neck or back problems
Be prepared to remove metal items around the head and neck
Follow any specific instructions provided by the clinic

Do not stop prescribed medication unless instructed by the healthcare professional responsible for that medication.

Can I Use an X-ray Taken at Another Clinic?

Previous dental images may still be useful depending on:

Image type
Image quality
Date taken
Area covered
Current symptoms
Changes since the image was taken
Proposed treatment
Availability of the original file

Bring or send previous images when possible.

The dentist will decide whether they provide sufficient information or whether new imaging is justified.

Who Interprets Dental X-rays?

Dental images are reviewed by a dentist as part of the diagnostic and treatment-planning process.

Interpretation may involve:

The patient’s treating dentist
A dentist with relevant experience
An oral and maxillofacial radiologist
Another dental or medical specialist in selected cases

CBCT captures a three-dimensional volume that may include structures beyond the immediate treatment area.

If a finding is outside the treating dentist’s area of expertise, further review or referral may be recommended.

Dental X-rays Do Not Replace a Clinical Examination

An X-ray cannot directly assess every aspect of oral health.

A complete assessment may also require:

Examination of the teeth
Gum measurements
Tooth sensitivity tests
Bite tests
Palpation
Photographs
Digital scans
Medical and dental history
Monitoring over time
Additional tests

Treatment should not be based on an image alone without considering the clinical findings.

Dental X-ray and 3D Imaging in Rangsit at SWC Dental

SWC Dental provides dental imaging assessment for patients in Rangsit, Pathum Thani and nearby areas, including Thanyaburi, Khlong Luang, Lam Luk Ka and Don Mueang.

Depending on the clinical need, available imaging may include:

Bitewing X-rays
Periapical X-rays
Occlusal X-rays
Panoramic X-rays
Cephalometric X-rays
CBCT three-dimensional imaging

Dental imaging may support services such as:

The required image type, scan area, number of images and fees depend on the examination, referral and individual clinical needs.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dental X-rays

Does every dental check-up require an X-ray?

No. The decision depends on symptoms, decay risk, previous images, oral condition and the information needed for diagnosis or treatment planning.

What is the difference between a panoramic X-ray and CBCT?

A panoramic X-ray provides a broad two-dimensional overview. CBCT produces a three-dimensional image and may be used when additional spatial information is needed.

Is CBCT safer than a normal dental X-ray?

CBCT and standard dental X-rays serve different purposes. CBCT generally involves more radiation than conventional two-dimensional dental imaging, although exposure varies by protocol.

Can dental X-rays detect all cavities?

No. X-rays can help identify some areas of decay, particularly between teeth, but they do not detect every cavity. Clinical examination remains necessary.

Can I have a dental X-ray while pregnant?

Necessary dental imaging may be considered during pregnancy after evaluating the clinical need, urgency and available alternatives. Tell the dental team before imaging.

How often should I have dental X-rays?

There is no single interval for every patient. Timing depends on age, symptoms, decay risk, gum health, previous findings and proposed treatment.

Do children need dental X-rays?

Children may need imaging when there is a specific reason, such as suspected decay, trauma, eruption concerns or orthodontic assessment. Imaging should be selected individually.

Will dental X-rays show gum disease?

They may show supporting bone levels and patterns of bone loss, but a periodontal examination is also required to assess the gums and pocket depths.

Do I need CBCT before a dental implant?

Three-dimensional imaging may be considered for implant planning, but the complete assessment also includes gum health, medical history, available restorative space and other clinical factors.

Can I request a copy of my dental images?

Ask the clinic about its process for providing images or transferring them to another treating clinician. The available format depends on the imaging system and image type.

Book a Dental Imaging Assessment

If you have tooth pain, swelling, an impacted tooth or are planning root canal, orthodontic, implant or complex dental treatment, contact SWC Dental in Rangsit for an individual assessment.

The dentist will determine whether an intraoral X-ray, panoramic image, cephalometric image, CBCT scan or another record is appropriate.

View the dental treatment fees or contact SWC Dental to arrange an appointment.

CBCT Tomography is a three-dimensional imaging technology, which has been specifically developed for imaging of the teeth and jaws. It has an applications in implant dentistry, endodontics and oral surgery.

CBCT provides three-dimensional imaging and has been used to overcome the inherent problems with conventional two-dimensional radiographic techniques

CBCT is a low dose scanning system, which has been specifically designed to produce three-dimensional images of the maxillofacial skeleton CBCT scanners use back-projection reconstructed tomography to acquire data of the area of interest through a single or partial rotation of the conical X-ray beam and reciprocal image receptor

As the patient is stationary and the motion of the gantry is a simple rotation, the main complexity of the CBCT system lies in the detector and the data processing technology.

Advantage of CBCT

1.Better image quality and accuracy

The 3D capabilities mean that the dentist can view what’s going on in the patient’s mouth from different angles for better diagnosis and a complete evaluation.

3.Images bone and soft tissues

This scan provides more information than a conventional dental X-ray, allowing the dentist to create a more precise treatment plan.

4.A lower dose of radiation

The CBCT scan uses a lower dose of radiation than a regular CT scan.

5.Quick and painless

In dentistry, x-rays are divided into two main categories, intraoral and extraoral.

Intraoral Radiographs (film is inside the mouth.)

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Intraoral X-rays are the most common type. They give a high level of detail. These X-rays allow dentists to:

Find cavities
Look at the tooth roots
Check the health of the bony area around the tooth
See the status of developing teeth
Otherwise monitor good tooth health

The various types of intraoral X-rays show different aspects of the teeth:

Bite-wing X-rays
One or two bite-wing X-rays on each side of the mouth are taken. Each X-ray shows the upper and lower molars (back teeth) and bicuspids (teeth in front of the molars). These X-rays help dentists find decay between back teeth.

Periapical X-rays
This shows the entire length of each tooth, from crown to root. This highlight only one or two teeth at a time.

Occlusal X-rays
This is larger than most X-rays. They highlight tooth development and placement in children. Each X-ray shows nearly the full arch of teeth in either

Extraoral Radiographs (film is outside the mouth)

This can be considered the “big picture” X-rays. They show teeth, but they also provide information on the jaw and skull. Extraoral radiographs are used to:

Keep track of growth and development
Look at the status of impacted teeth
Examine the relationships between teeth and jaws
Examine the bones of the face

The various type of extraoral X-rays

1.Panoramic X-rays show the entire mouth on a single X-ray. They include all teeth on both upper and lower jaws.

2.Cephalometric projections are X-rays taken of the entire side of the head. They are used to look at the teeth in relation to the jaw and the person’s profile. Orthodontists use cephalometric projections to determine the best type of orthodontic treatment.

3.Cone-beam computed tomography (CT) provides three-dimensional images. A cone-beam scan uses less radiation than a medical CT scan but far more than any standard dental X-ray. The cone-beam CT is particularly useful for dental implant selection and placement.
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