Generally, no special preparation is required prior to a dental x-ray. However, patients with oral piercings may need to remove them beforehand. Typically, the patient sits back in a dental chair and is covered from the chest to the thighs with a leaded apron. In some cases, a leaded thyroid collar is placed over the patient’s neck.

Depending on the nature of the x-ray, a film holder with a small piece of film may be inserted into the patient’s mouth and the patient may be asked to bite down on it. The camera is moved into place, and the dental hygienist or dentist leaves the room and pushes a button that takes a picture. The entire process takes just minutes.