You require dental X-rays to check for hidden abnormalities in the mouth which your dentist cannot see with the naked eye. Dental X-rays are extremely useful in evaluating the health of your teeth, gums, jawbone and other structures. They aid in treatment planning and monitoring. We can also monitor the growing jawbone and teeth in children and correct any abnormalities early on. 

Dental X-rays use negligible amounts of radiation to produce images, so they aren’t harmful.  However, regular and frequent exposure to X-rays might cause harm to internal body organs if you do not take proper precautions. The thyroid is the most radiosensitive organ in the body and can be damaged if exposed to a lot of radiation.

Often, cavities are hidden in non-accessible areas like between two teeth, and cannot be seen by your dentist. For this reason, your dentist will decide to take an X-ray to get a proper idea of the location and extent of your cavities.