X-ray examination

X-ray or Radiographic examinations detect cavities and other signs of dental disease that may not be seen by dentists during visual examinations. Dental radiography or X-ray is also an important tool that helps your dentist to determine dental problems occurring in your teeth such as periodontal disease, abscesses, and abnormal growths of the teeth, cysts, and tumors. It also gives your dentist an important tool that exactly shows the condition of the teeth, its roots, jaw placement, and facial bones’ overall composition.

Radiographic is scheduled based on the dentist assessment. The dentist assessment will determine if a patient is candidate for dental x-rays. However, in most cases, new patients is required by the dentist to undergo a full set of mouth x-rays. The result of these x-rays will evaluate the oral status of the new patient. For those patients who have undergone a certain treatment or follow-up patients, dentists suggest them to have x-rays in order to determine the condition of the teeth.

There are many types of x-rays used in dental treatment. These types of x-rays have different uses and capabilities. This means that the vision of one x ray is different from the vision of the other. The following are the types of Radiograph or X-ray used in dental treatment:

• Periapical X-rays -- is an x-ray that shows the root structure, bone levels, cyst, and abscesses. This type of x-ray shows a highly-detailed image of a smaller area. This type of x-ray requires the patient to hold or bite down on a piece of plastic with x-ray film in the center.

• Bitewing X-ray -- like periapical X-ray, this type of x-ray shows a highly detailed image of smaller area making it possible for the dentist to determine the presence of decay or cavities between the teeth. This type of x-ray requires the patient to hold or bite down on a piece of plastic with x-ray film in the center.

• Panoramic radiograph (photograph) -- this type of x-ray allows your dentist to see the entire structure of your mouth in one broad view or one large film, including your upper and lower teeth.

For those patients who are afraid to be overexposed to radiation, always remember that your dentist is well trained and is knowledgeable in the techniques and procedures of the x-ray.

 

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