What are Dental X-rays?
Dental X-rays, also known as radiographs, are an essential part of any dental care treatment plan. An x-ray is a type of energy that passes through soft tissues and is absorbed by dense tissues. Teeth and bone are very dense, so they absorb X-rays, while X-rays pass more easily through gums and cheeks.
Dental X-rays involve passing electromagnetic radiation through the jaw to produce images of the structures inside. It is a useful diagnostic tool when helping your dentist detect damage and disease not visible during a regular dental exam.
How it works?
The dental technician places a protective apron over your chest. Next, the x-ray sensor or film is placed in your mouth for the picture.
There are a number of X-rays a dentist can order. The type of X-ray needed will depend greatly on the type of care the patient needs to receive.
Periapical X-ray – It provides a view of the entire tooth, from the crown to the bone that helps to support the tooth.
Bite-Wing X-ray – It shows the lower and upper teeth and how these teeth touch one another. Helps to determine if decay is present between teeth.
Panoramic X-ray – It shows a view of the teeth, jaws, nasal area, sinuses and the joints of the jaw.
What X-rays can reveal?
- Small cavities between teeth
- Cavities hidden by fillings
- Infections in the bone
- Periodontal disease
- Abscess or cysts
- Tumors
- Erupting teeth
- Cracked teeth
- Jaw position
- Gum diseases
Important facts about dental X-rays
- Dental X-rays are safe however, they do require very low levels of radiation exposure, which makes the risk of potentially harmful effects very small.
- Dental X-ray tools and techniques are designed to limit the body’s exposure to radiation.
- A leaded apron and/or a leaded thyroid collar may be used to shield the abdomen and thyroid of children & pregnant women.
- Children should get x-rays every 1-2 years, while adults should get them every 2-3 years.
- A dental x-ray exposes you to a minuscule amount, 2-3 mrem. Digital x-rays exposes you to even less.
- Dental x-rays do not hurt; they’re virtually pain-free.
