Dental cavities appear as distinct radiolucent or dark spots on X-rays due to the demineralization of tooth structure, making radiography a standard diagnostic tool for caries detection.
The provided literature consistently refers to dental caries appearing as detectable lesions on radiographs (bitewing, panoramic, and intraoral images) where demineralized areas show decreased density compared to surrounding sound enamel or dentin. None of the papers refute this foundational premise of dental radiography, so the balance of evidence strongly supports the claim.