Dental X-Rays: See Beyond the Teeth

Most dental x-rays, also known as dental radiographs, play an essential part in any dental care treatment plan. They are images of your teeth and surrounding structures captured using low levels of radiation. Dental x-rays may appear complex but they are common day-to-day tools for dentists to evaluate your oral health. They can be diagnostic but can also be preventative as they detect any potential oral care issues in your mouth before they become a major problem.

 

Types of Dental Radiographs

There are two main categories of dental x-rays: intraoral and extraoral. For intraoral x-rays, as the name implies, your dentist takes the x-ray from inside the mouth while, outside of the mouth, for extraoral x-rays.

Since Intraoral x-rays have more details, dentists use them most commonly used. Some examples of these radiographs are:

1. Bitewing radiographs

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They highlight the crowns of your upper and lower molars and premolars. Besides that, these x-rays help dentists to detect any decay between the back teeth which cannot be clearly seen inside the mouth.

2. Periapical radiographs

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These x-rays show only one or two teeth at a time. Unlike bitewing x-rays, periapical x-rays show the entire length of each tooth from the crown to root.

3. Occlusal radiographs

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Occlusal x-rays are larger compared to the previous two. They are used to highlight tooth development in children.

 

Extraoral x-rays are taken with film outside of the mouth. They are less detailed when detecting cavities but they provide other information on the jaw and skull.

1. Panoramic radiographs

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These x-rays show the entire mouth on a single x-ray, including all teeth on both arches and surrounding structures such as the jaw joint and sinuses.

2. Cephalometric projections

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Lateral cephalometric captures the entire side of the head. It is used to study the teeth in relation to the jaw and the person’s face profile. Therefore, these radiographs are most commonly used among orthodontists for orthodontic treatment.

 

Purposes of Dental Radiographs

Dental x-rays give clues to your oral health. There are certain factors which may affect how often you will need these x-rays, such as your age, current oral health status, symptoms of any oral problems or a history of tooth decay and gum disease. Below are some common reasons why your dentist advises for dental x-rays:

1. To detect cavities

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2. To check the health of your bones around the teeth
3. To determine if there is periodontal (gum) disease
4. Status of developing teeth
5. To check for any underlying pathology

Risks of Dental Radiographs

While dental x-rays utilise radiation, the exposure levels are so low that they are considered safe for children and adults. Every country has its law and regulations for specific requirements when it comes to the use of ionising radiation. Protections such as lead apron and thyroid collar will be used to prevent any unnecessary radiation to your vital organs. If you are pregnant, do inform your dentist so to avoid any untoward side effects of radiation.

 

Conclusion

All in all, dental x-rays are very safe with very minimal amount of radiation in this day and age. Therefore, there is absolutely no need to worry if you have to get a dental x-ray for the purpose of a good dental treatment plan.

 

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Tags

• Bitewing radiographs
• dental radiographs
• Occlusal radiographs
• Periapical radiographs