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question

How long do dental x-rays take?

RealAge
RealAge
answer
The time needed for dental x-rays depends on the type and number of x-rays needed.

A bitewing x-ray of a single tooth might take only a few minutes.

A full mouth series, in which teeth are x-rayed one or two at a time, typically takes about 25 minutes, though some manufacturers of digital x-ray equipment claim their equipment completes a full-mouth series more quickly.
American Dental Association
American Dental Association
answer
Thanks to advances in technology, many dentists now opt for digital x-rays when looking for damage and disease not visible during a regular dental exam. The benefits of using digital x-ray images is that it can be sent directly to a computer and viewed right away. When using film, a dental team member must first process the x-ray in special chemicals; this can take a few minutes.

How long your x-rays take depends on how many you x-rays you need. For instance, a single x-ray can be completed right away whereas a series of images may take longer.

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Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.