Dental X-rays are dental images that the dentist uses to evaluate a patient’s oral health. Some patients require a dental X-ray at every appointment, while others only need a dental X-ray every few years. The frequency of X-rays depends on the patient’s oral health, dental history, and general medical history. We may recommend that new patients also get X-rays so we can understand the bigger picture of their oral health. Dental X-rays use low levels of radiation to capture images of the internal teeth and gums. These systems are widely used to help dentists fully understand the next best steps for a patient. Some of the benefits of dental radiographs include:
.Informs your dentist of changes in hard and soft tissues.
.Allows the dentist to see how teeth and jawbones are developing.
.Helps your dentist identify diseases and developmental problems before they turn into serious health problems.
.Prevents worsening of oral damage.
It detects the development of .20-year-old teeth and determines the best route for extraction.
.It provides identification of bone loss, tooth decay and infections.
Types of Dental X-Rays
To understand the advantages of dental x-ray, it is important to be aware of the different types of dental x-rays. Dental X-rays are divided into two main types:
Intraoral x-rays and extraoral x-rays: As the names suggest, intraoral x-rays are taken from the inside of the mouth, and extraoral x-rays are taken from the outside of the mouth. Among these types, the most commonly used x-ray formats are:
.Periapical X-Ray
A periapical x-ray shows the entire tooth from the apex to beyond the root where the tooth attaches to the jaw. These X-rays can show all the teeth in one part of the upper or lower jaw. These x-rays are useful for detecting unusual changes in the root and surrounding bone structures.
.Biting X-Rays
This type of x-ray is used to look at a specific area of the mouth. The bite X-ray captures the visible area of the upper and lower teeth, as well as part of the roots and supporting bone. These x-rays help dentists detect cavities, especially those that occur between the teeth, as well as irregular growths in the jawbone that result from gum disease.
.Occlusal X-Ray
The purpose of an occlusal X-ray is to show the full development and placement of the patient’s teeth. Each x-ray shows the full arch of teeth in the upper or lower jaw. These x-rays can also detect tumors or evidence of bone loss and blockages in the salivary ducts.
.Panoramic X-Ray
As the name suggests, a panoramic x-ray shows the entire mouth in one picture. The purpose of this type of X-ray is not to show details such as spaces. The purpose of this type of X-ray is not to show details such as spaces. Rather, they are intended to show bone abnormalities, fractures, cysts, impacted teeth, infections and tumors.
What Do Dental X-Rays Show?
As you can see, different conditions will require different types of dental X-rays to be able to detect it. At our clinic, we prioritize dental X-rays when necessary, as they help us see situations that cannot be seen with the naked eye. Because oral health conditions are known to affect quality of life and even cause other problems in the body, such as heart disease, it is extremely important to use dental X-rays to detect them. Some of the most common oral conditions diagnosed with dental x-ray technology include:
.Cavities and Caries
This is the most common dental problem and is caused by the breakdown of tooth enamel by acids that build up on the teeth. If left untreated, cavities can lead to abscesses under the gums, which can spread to other parts of the body and cause serious damage.
.Periodontal Disease
Gum disease is another common problem and is mainly the result of infections and inflammation of the gums and the bone that surrounds and supports the teeth. Symptoms of periodontal disease include swollen, red, and tender gums. To treat periodontal disease, tartar at the root of the tooth and below the gum line must be removed.
.Oral Cancer
One of the most important benefits of a dental X-ray is that it can show whether oral cancer has spread to the jaw. Oral cancer usually occurs in harvests over the age of 40. Risk factors include tobacco use, excessive alcohol use, and HPV. Symptoms include a sore, irritation or patch in the mouth, sore throat sensation, difficulty chewing, and difficulty moving the jaw or tongue. Oral cancer is curable if found and treated at an early stage.
.How is a dental x-ray taken?
The chin is placed on the head of the panoramic x-ray device, and in this case, two thin apparatus surround the head. After the necessary adjustments are made, this device, which rotates around the patient’s head, sends the images it receives to the computer.
.Are earrings worn during dental x-rays?
It is recommended to remove metal items during shooting so that the quality of the shot is not affected. Metal items such as earrings, necklaces will affect the quality of the shot.
.How many months is a dental x-ray taken?
The frequency of X-rays varies according to the patient’s medical and dental history.
