Dental radiography has evolved from film and chemical developers into a highly technical process that involves various types of digital x-ray machines, as well as powerful dental software programs to assist the dentist with image acquisition and diagnostic analysis of the acquired images. When making the decision to purchase x-ray equipment, the doctor needs to research the available options thoroughly, in order to make an informed choice for the correct machine for his or her practice.

Many patients see their dentist in-office, while others require the dentist and equipment to go to them. Those who are incarcerated, home-bound, in nursing homes, working in underdeveloped locations or stationed on military bases are just some of the patients who may benefit from having access to a portable dental x-ray. Teeth problems could not only be painful but could also cause many health problems. Waiting to access an in-office machine may not be an option depending on the condition.

Some portable x-ray machine are completely hand-held while others sit on a stand. This often come in carrying cases for easy transport. They are used on patients who don't have the ability to access a dentist's office — those who are home-bound or work in remote undeveloped locations are just some of the patients who benefit from the device.

The portable dental x-ray is not only useful to patients, but also to dentists who want to be able to help patients who don't have immediate access to a dental office. Without the device, there is no doubt that quite a few individuals would go without knowing the cause of their tooth pain. Though it doesn't mean they'll seek immediate dental care, it at least increases the chances depending on the results of the x-rays.

Extraoral radiography is good for checking impacted teeth, gathering information on oral growth and development, seeing how the teeth are situated in relation to the jaws, and viewing facial bones. The images focus more on the jaw or skull. These images are not always detailed enough to detect cavities.

Intraoral radiography is the most common type of dental x-ray, and includes bite-wing x-rays, in which the film is contained in a wing-shaped device. Periapical x-rays are very similar, but images the entire length of just one or two teeth. For an assessment of tooth development and placement, an occlusional x-ray is used to examine all teeth on either the top or bottom jaws.