When it’s time to have an x-ray, generally once a year, the dental hygienist will have you sit in a chair and will lay a lead “blanket” or “bib” over your trunk and pelvic regions to protect your vital organs from the radiation exposure. Depending on the type of images needed, the x-ray technician may ask you to bite down on a special piece of paper inserted into your mouth in order to get a certain view of your bite and how your upper and lower teeth meet each other.