Tooth Digital X-ray -Tooth Radiological Control
Modern radiology checking in dentistry is a useful tool for the dentist as each tooth x-ray helps:
- To diagnose properly the teeth or tissue damage around them.
- In the prevention of pathological conditions of the mouth which are not distinguishable upon clinical examination.
How safe are the tooth X-rays? How much radiation will I get?
The dental X-rays in adults and children is performed only if the dentist considers it necessary and following an examination of the medical and dental history of the patient so that the patient is not exposed to radiation unnecessarily. Dental x-rays are generally considered safe and the dose of radiation received by them is minimal compared to the total radiation we are getting daily from various sources, such as wireless networks, mobile phones, etc.
How many X-ray types exist?
Dental x-rays are split into intraoral and extraoral types.
Intraoral X-rays
Intraoral radiographs/x-rays are taken at the dental clinic and depict a small area of the mouth as well as the radiographic tile. The most common are periapical x-rays and bitewing x-rays.
Periapical x-ray.
In a periapical tooth X-ray, we examine a part of the teeth of the jaw and the part of the bone that surrounds them.
This X-ray helps us locate any tooth lesions such as caries, peri-cranial lesions, impacted teeth, crown or root fractures, and others and examine in-depth the tooth that does not show any externally visible damage.
Bitewing X-rays
Bite-wing X-rays represent only the tooth crowns, specifically the visible surface of the teeth, and help us to investigate the existence of caries. This radiograph is particularly useful in children.
Extraoral X-rays
Extraoral X-rays are usually performed in a diagnostic center. The most common are panoramic and cephalometric radiographs, which provide a general depiction of both jaws aside.
Digital Panoramic x-ray- Panoramic Radiography in children and adults.
With a panoramic x-ray projection, the dentist can see the entire oral cavity of the patient in a single image. These X-rays are made to help diagnose caries, bone problems and anatomical jaw abnormalities, tooth fractures, and to find impacted or supernumerary teeth. They can also detect the wisdom tooth, the lack of permanent teeth, and thanks to these we can also determine the children’s dental age.
Panoramic x-rays are also used in patients that are about to undergo orthodontic treatment, in the placement of partial or full implants.
Cephalometric X-ray Projections
Cephalometric X-ray radiographs are mainly used in orthodontics and maxillary surgery. They depict the teeth and bones of the face from a side view. They help detect orthodontic problems and skeletal irregularities and plan the most appropriate orthodontic treatment.
In any case, the dentist will perform the clinical examination, take into account the patient’s medical and dental history and decide whether and when an X-ray is required.