Dental radiographs are an important diagnostic tool in dentistry. A dental radiograph is an image created once high energy electromagnetic radiation penetrates the teeth forming the image on the dental film or dental sensor.
Dental radiographs are a safe way to diagnose dental disease and or injury of teeth and gums. Dental radiographs help in finding dental decay, seeing dental roots, assessing the health of related dental structures such as bone surrounding the teeth and surrounding dental tissue, determining extend and involvement of periodontal disease, monitoring existing dental fillings or dental restorations and also monitoring good tooth health thru prevention.
During the dental visit a new patient will undergo a full series of radiographs or x-rays. A small tool made of plastic is used as aid to hold the dental film or sensor. The tool is inserted in the mouth at different angles and the patient is asked to bite down allowing the sensor or film to stay in place. This process is pain free and it will be repeated until images have been obtained of the entire mouth. The set of radiographs (x-rays) are used to assess current dental health conditions, this becomes a baseline going forward.
There are different types of dental radiographs. A bitewing (BW) dental radiograph shows crown portions of the top and bottom teeth together and is taken while the patient bites on a biting tab. A periapical (PA) dental radiograph shows the 1 to 2 complete, crown to root areas of the teeth in an image. A panoramic (PANO) radiograph requires a special machine that rotates around the patient’s head. The acquired image captures all the jaw, teeth and surrounding anatomy in one shot. A cephalomeric (CEPH) radiograph shows the side view of the face, it represents the relationship of the jaws to other structures, Cone Beam Computerized Tomography (CBCT) is a 3D view of pre-determined area and maybe used for dental surgery.
Radiographic Imaging in dentistry is an important tool that helps in preventing, assessing, finding and treating dental disease. Precautions are taken during the procedure, make sure to ask us if you have any concerns!