Finding the right tests…
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Finding the right tests…
X-Ray
DENTAL 2 covers two periapical films rather than one, so your dentist can check two teeth, or two areas of the mouth, in the same visit. Each film is positioned and read the same way as a single periapical X-ray, crown to root tip, with the bone around it included. Dentists order this when symptoms point to more than one tooth, or when a tooth on each side needs comparing, for example before extractions or when planning treatment across a few teeth. It is still a targeted look, not a full mouth series, and does not cover teeth outside the two chosen areas. Ask your dentist which two teeth or areas the films will focus on before you go in.
Two periapical films are taken, each covering one tooth or a small group of neighbouring teeth from crown to root tip, along with the surrounding bone. Your dentist reads both together when a concern involves more than one area, such as comparing a tooth against its neighbour or checking two separate sites in one visit.
DENTAL 2 uses the same periapical technique as a single film, repeated for a second tooth or area. Nothing about the X-ray itself changes between the two films; only the number of areas captured in one visit changes.
Your dentist may ask for two films when a symptom does not point to just one tooth, when planning treatment involving two teeth, such as before removing a wisdom tooth and checking the tooth beside it, or when comparing a treated tooth against its opposite number on the other side of the jaw.
- Each film is read on its own for cavities, root shape, and bone level - The two are sometimes compared side by side, for example to see if bone loss on one side matches the other - Neither film shows areas outside its own frame, so teeth not included in either film are not assessed
If several teeth across the mouth need checking, your dentist will usually ask for a fuller set of films rather than just two. Ask your dentist why two films specifically were chosen for your situation.
Two films let your dentist check two teeth or two areas in the same visit, such as before a procedure or when comparing one side of the mouth with the other. Your dentist decides the number based on what they need to see.
No, each film uses the same technique as a single periapical X-ray. The only difference is that two areas are captured instead of one, in the same sitting.
No, it covers only the two chosen teeth or areas, not your entire set of teeth. A full mouth series is a separate, larger set of films.
Positioning and taking each film only takes a few minutes, so both are usually finished within one short visit. You do not need to book two separate appointments.
This page is general information about the test, not medical advice. Your own report's reference ranges apply — please discuss your results with your doctor.
No, a panoramic X-ray covers all teeth and both jaws in one image, while DENTAL 2 focuses closely on two chosen areas. Your dentist will tell you which one answers their question.
Each film carries a low dose on its own, and two films add a small amount more than one, but the total remains low. Ask your dentist or the centre for specifics if you are concerned.
The choice is based on your dentist's clinical assessment, so it is best to discuss your specific concern with them beforehand. They will select the areas that answer their question.