The Importance of Routine Dental Radiographs
Dental radiographs are an integral part of your dental care visit. Along with an oral examination, they provide your dentist with a more complete view of what is happening inside your mouth. The advantage of routine dental radiographs in adults is to help identify changes in hard and soft tissues within the oral cavity. In children, radiographs allow the dentist to see how their teeth and mandibular bones are developing. Like medical radiographs, dental radiographs allow your dentist to evaluate any injuries to the face and mouth. These images allow the dentist to see below the gumline and decay in between the teeth. Dental radiographs aid in helping your dentist properly identify diseases and developmental problems before they become serious health issues. In addition, dental radiographs help your dentist:
Diagnose caries (tooth decay) that develops between the teeth or under restorations (fillings).
Periodontal (gum) disease
Infections that develop under the gums
Diagnose certain types of tumors
Radiographs may be expected of you at your next dental appointment. The most common types of dental radiographs that may be mentioned:
Bitewing X-Ray: The most common preventative type of radiograph that allows the dentist to see decay between the teeth and below the gumline.
Periapical X-Ray: A radiograph that captures an image of your whole tooth, including a little past the tooth root. This is typically used when diagnosing damage to the tip of the tooth root or issues with the jawbone.
Panoramic X-Ray: Uses a special machine to capture a 2-D image of both upper and lower teeth. This image may be requested at your initial appointment with a new doctor. This image is used to diagnose major complications such as jaw tumors, cysts, or bone abnormalities.
Cone Beam X-Ray: CBCT is an imaging method that uses computerized technology to convert 2-D images into a 3-D image. 3-D images show every dimension and aspect of the teeth and surrounding bone.
One of the main concerns patients have with dental radiographs is the amount of radiation they may be exposed to. However, several factors and practices work in conjunction with one another to make dental radiography safe. The amount of radiation used to obtain dental radiographs is very small. When taking radiographs, your dental assistant is using the least amount of radiation exposure for the best quality radiograph. Safety principles limit your exposure by incorporating the following techniques:
Use of fastest imaging receptor
Reduction in the size of the X-ray beam
Use of proper exposure and processing techniques
Use of leaded aprons and thyroid collars
Your dentist will decide when radiographs are needed on the basis of your oral examination findings, any symptoms you report, a review of your health history, your risk of experiencing oral disease, your age, or any combination of the preceding. To learn more about the benefits and safety of dental radiographs, contact Indigo Dentistry at 803-736-9991 and schedule a dental visit today.