Only the area crossed by the beam is directly affected, and the margins of the dental X-ray’s field of action are very clear and by law periodically checked by qualified experts, like all the rest of the X-ray equipment, to protect patients and operators. As an example, the exposure for a periapical film is equivalent to an hour spent outdoors for radiation coming from the sun, which is less filtered by the atmosphere at high altitude. The use of radiographic images at in our practice is always performed according to the ALARA (“as low as reasonably achievable”) principle, that is, every single radiographic examination must be justified. The dose administered to the patient is always taken into account according to the diagnostic information that needs to be obtained. Maximum radiation savings for the patient are provided by systematic rationality in prescribing the most appropriate radiographic examination, adjustment of equipment, appropriate protections applied: radiographs only when needed, done well, stored well.

It is a type of radiograph that can detect the presence of caries, damage to the hard tissues of the tooth such as endodontic lesions, apical granulomas, cysts, or new formations. It is the radiograph that gives an overall image of the teeth and the maxillary and mandibular bones.

It is a radiographic technique that allows visualization of the bone ridge, crowns of upper and lower teeth, and interdental areas (areas between teeth) in order to be able to intercept carious lesions between teeth.