Which type of x-ray typically delivers more radiation?

Extra-oral x-rays typically deliver more radiation compared to other types of dental x-rays. This is primarily due to the nature and broad coverage of the imaging they provide. Extra-oral x-rays, such as those taken in cephalometric or panoramic views, require a larger area of exposure to capture images that include the entire dental arch or even the skull. This broader exposure can lead to increased radiation doses.

In contrast, intra-oral x-rays involve a smaller source of radiation aimed directly at a specific area of the mouth, while providing detailed images of individual teeth or sections of the dental arch. CT scans, while associated with higher doses of radiation than traditional x-rays, are not classified strictly within the realm of dental x-rays and involve imaging methods that are vastly different, often capturing three-dimensional data of complex structures. Panoramic x-rays, while they do cover a wider field than intra-oral x-rays, typically deliver less radiation than full extra-oral imaging because they require less time and often utilize more advanced technology for dose reduction.

The key factor here is the area of exposure and the technology involved, which determines the amount of radiation received during the imaging process. Therefore, extra-oral x-rays are associated with higher radiation doses compared to