Dental x-rays are important because they offer insight to your mouth that includes your gums, in addition to your teeth, that can detect cavities, and the extent of decay, or even gum disease. The two types of x-rays that should be taken every year in addition to the one time every three year, full mouth series, are the bite wing x-rays and a periapical. A bitewing x-ray is taken when the teeth bite down together and shows the crown portions of the top and bottom teeth. A periapical is an x-ray of a specific tooth from the crown to the root. Most six month x-rays are covered by insurance companies, but if not, they are an inexpensive way to give your dentist the best way to view and diagnose your oral health. An area of concern with most x-rays is the issue of too much radiation, but there are precautions that are taken, as well as new technology, such as digital x-rays, which we have here in our office, making sure this is the safest way possible to diagnose you, and keep you healthy in everyway possible.