Dental X-ray in Kraków — digital radiographs
Fast and painless diagnostics that let us assess the condition of teeth, roots and the surrounding tissues.
What is a dental X-ray?
A dental X-ray, or radiograph, is an imaging examination that shows structures the dentist cannot assess accurately during a regular oral examination.
The image shows, among other things, tooth crowns and roots, the surrounding bone and some changes developing in places hidden from view.
An X-ray helps detect caries, assess the roots, diagnose inflammatory changes and plan dental treatment.
Depending on the need, the dentist may order a periapical X-ray, a panoramic X-ray (OPG) or CBCT.
Not every examination shows the same structures. That is why the choice of method depends on the problem the patient comes with.
What does a tooth X-ray show?
A tooth X-ray lets the dentist assess a selected area of the mouth more accurately and notice changes that do not always cause visible symptoms.
Depending on the type of image, the dentist can assess:
- Tooth roots — their length, shape and position.
- Root canals — their course within the area visible on the image and the results of endodontic treatment.
- Caries — especially between teeth or under some fillings.
- Periapical changes — which may indicate inflammation around the root.
- Bone around the teeth — its level and selected abnormalities.
- Impacted teeth — if they are in the examined area.
- Fillings and crowns — their radiological image and some possible abnormalities.
An X-ray provides important information, but it is not always enough for a full diagnosis. The result should be assessed together with the symptoms and clinical examination.
When is a dental X-ray taken?
An X-ray is taken when additional information is needed to make a diagnosis or plan treatment.
Suspected caries
An X-ray can help detect caries developing on the contact surfaces of teeth or in places that are hard to assess during an examination.
Bitewing X-rays are especially useful for detecting caries between teeth.
Toothache with no visible cause
If the patient feels pain but the tooth shows no clear changes on inspection, an X-ray can help with further diagnosis.
It allows assessment of the root area, the bone and some changes that require treatment.
Root canal treatment
An X-ray before root canal treatment allows assessment of the tooth's anatomy and the area around its roots.
Images may also be taken during or after treatment to check specific stages of the procedure and the condition of the treated tooth.
Follow-up after treatment
In certain situations an X-ray helps assess the results of earlier treatment, e.g. root canal treatment, and monitor changes in the tissues around the root.
Gum and periodontal disease
In periodontal diagnostics, an X-ray can help assess the level of bone around the teeth.
A radiological examination complements the clinical examination, it does not replace it.
Planning surgical treatment
Before an extraction or another surgical procedure, the dentist may need an image of a specific tooth.
In more complex cases a panoramic X-ray or CBCT may be necessary.
An X-ray does not have to be taken at every visit. The dentist decides whether it is needed, taking into account symptoms, previous images and planned treatment.
What types of dental X-rays do we take at MistoDent Kraków?
Dentistry uses various imaging methods. They differ in the scope of the examination and the amount of information they provide.
Periapical tooth X-ray
A periapical X-ray shows one tooth or a small group of neighbouring teeth together with their roots and the surrounding bone.
It is used, among other things, in diagnosing toothache, root canal treatment and assessing periapical changes.
It gives a detailed image of the selected area without the need to image all the teeth.
OPG — panoramic dental X-ray
An OPG shows both dental arches, the upper and lower jaw and part of the surrounding structures in one image.
It is used, among other things, before orthodontic treatment, wisdom tooth removal or in diagnosing changes covering a larger area.
Unlike a periapical X-ray, it gives a general view of the teeth but does not always allow a single tooth to be assessed in the same detail.
Cephalometric X-ray
A cephalometric X-ray is an image of the skull, most often taken in the lateral projection.
It is used mainly in orthodontics to analyse the relationship between the upper jaw, lower jaw and other facial skeleton structures.
CBCT scan
A CBCT scan allows the teeth and the surrounding structures to be assessed in three dimensions.
It may be needed in more complex cases, e.g. before implant placement, in diagnosing impacted teeth or in complicated endodontic treatment.
CBCT provides more detailed spatial information than a standard X-ray, but requires a separate medical justification.
How is a tooth X-ray taken, step by step?
A periapical tooth X-ray is a short and painless examination. It requires no anaesthesia or special preparation.
1. Preparation
The dentist or the person taking the X-ray explains the procedure and helps the patient into the right position.
2. Placing the sensor
A small sensor or image detector is placed in the mouth to record the radiation passing through the examined area.
3. Taking the image
The X-ray unit is aimed at the examined tooth. You need to stay still during the short exposure.
4. Getting the image
The image is recorded and can be used to assess the condition of the tooth.
5. Interpretation by the dentist
The dentist analyses the image together with the symptoms and the clinical examination, then decides on next steps.
Taking the image itself is very quick. The whole procedure, including preparation, usually takes a few minutes.
Periapical X-ray vs OPG — what is the difference?
Although both examinations use X-rays, they serve slightly different purposes.
Periapical X-ray
OPG
Shows one tooth or a small group of teeth
Shows both dental arches
Allows detailed assessment of a selected area
Allows general assessment of all teeth
Often used in endodontics
Often used in orthodontics and surgery
Usually taken inside the mouth
Taken outside the mouth
If the dentist wants to check one specific tooth, a periapical X-ray is usually more suitable. If they need to see all the teeth and their relative position, they may recommend an OPG. A more extensive examination does not always mean better diagnostics. The key is to match the image to the specific problem.
Dental X-ray vs CBCT — what is the difference?
A standard X-ray shows the examined structures in two dimensions. CBCT (3D) makes it possible to assess their relative position in space.
Periapical X-ray (2D)
CBCT scan (3D)
Image of a selected tooth and surrounding tissues
Spatial image of a selected area
Used in basic dental diagnostics
Used in specific, more complex cases
Usually a very low radiation dose
Usually a higher dose, depending on the area and device settings
CBCT may be useful when a regular image does not provide enough information, e.g. with suspected complex canal anatomy or before selected surgical procedures. The dentist decides whether a CBCT scan is needed.
Is a dental X-ray safe?
X-ray examinations use ionising radiation, so they should only be performed when there are medical indications.
For a single intraoral image the radiation dose is usually small.
Dental diagnostics follows the principle of limiting exposure to the level needed to obtain an image of adequate quality.
Before the examination the dentist takes into account, among other things:
- the condition of the teeth and reported symptoms;
- the need for additional information;
- previous X-rays;
- the patient's age;
- the possibility of using another diagnostic method.
If you have recent dental images taken at another clinic, show them to the dentist. This helps avoid unnecessary repeat examinations.
Do I need a referral for a dental X-ray?
At MistoDent Kraków you do not need to get a referral from another clinic in advance to book a dental appointment.
If during the consultation the dentist decides an X-ray is needed, they will choose the right type of image and order it themselves if necessary.
This way diagnostics can be part of the planned treatment at our clinic.
Dental X-rays for children — when are they needed?
A child's dental X-ray is taken when the clinical examination does not provide enough information to assess the teeth.
An image can help, among other things, with:
- diagnosing caries between baby teeth;
- assessing changes around the roots;
- diagnosing dental injuries;
- assessing the eruption of permanent teeth;
- planning specific stages of dental treatment.
For children it is especially important to keep the number of examinations to the necessary minimum and to adjust exposure settings to the patient's age and build.
Not every child needs an X-ray at a check-up.
The dentist decides based on clinical indications.
Why get a dental X-ray at MistoDent Kraków?
At MistoDent Kraków imaging diagnostics is part of comprehensive dental care.
- Various types of X-rays — periapical images, OPGs, cephalometric images and CBCT.
- Diagnostics tailored to your needs — we match the type of examination to the specific problem.
- Continuity of treatment — the image can be used during the consultation and further dental procedures.
- Endodontic diagnostics — X-rays support root assessment and root canal treatment.
- Orthodontic and surgical planning — imaging helps plan more complex treatment.
- Individual approach — we take into account previous examinations and medical indications.
MistoDent Kraków
ul. Grzegórzecka 20A
How much does a dental X-ray cost in Kraków?
A periapical tooth X-ray at MistoDent Kraków costs 80 PLN. The cost of other examinations depends on the type of diagnostics and the imaged area. The dentist chooses the diagnostics based on the condition of the teeth and planned treatment.
FAQ
Answers provided by
Dr. Yevgen Gryzodub
What is a dental X-ray?
A dental X-ray is a radiographic examination for assessing the teeth, roots and surrounding bone. It reveals changes not visible during a regular dental examination and helps plan treatment.
How much does a tooth X-ray cost?
At MistoDent Kraków a periapical X-ray costs 80 PLN. An OPG, a panoramic image of all teeth, costs 200 PLN.
How much does an X-ray of all teeth cost?
If you need a general view of all your teeth, the dentist may recommend an OPG. At MistoDent Kraków an OPG costs 200 PLN.
How long does a tooth X-ray take?
Taking the image itself is very quick, and the whole procedure including preparation usually takes a few minutes.
Can I get a dental X-ray without a referral?
For some intraoral images this is possible. If you need a panoramic examination or CBCT, a MistoDent dentist can assess the indications and order the right diagnostics. You do not need to get a referral from another clinic first.
Can I have a dental X-ray during pregnancy?
During pregnancy an X-ray can be taken if there are justified medical indications and the diagnostic benefit outweighs the risk. Tell the dentist about your pregnancy or suspected pregnancy before the image is taken.
Can children have X-rays of baby teeth?
Yes. X-rays of baby teeth are taken if needed for diagnosis, e.g. with suspected caries between teeth or changes around the roots. The scope and settings of the examination are adjusted to the child.
Medical verification
Content verified by:
Dr. Yevgen Gryzodub
Medical Director of the MistoDent clinic network • dentist • prosthodontist • gnathologist
Last updated: 22.10.2026
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