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What Are Dental X-Rays?

By definition, dental X-rays are images of the teeth, soft tissues, and bones. They are captured in order to help in finding the problems and issues connected or linked to the teeth, gums, jaw, and the mouth in general. The X-ray pictures can also provide information about hidden dental structures, particularly wisdom teeth, cavities, and bone loss. These three are the things that are impossible to see during the traditional visual dental examination.

But apart from finding problems, dental X-rays are also utilized as a follow-up after a patient has undergone dental treatments.

Contrary to what some people claim, dental X-rays are completely safe. They only utilize a very minimal or small amount of radiation, which by standards, doesn't really lead to side effects.

Below is a list of the most common types of dental X-rays used today.

1 - Bitewing

Bitewing X-rays are intended to show the upper and lower back teeth. They are also used to see how the teeth are touching each other in a single clearer view. They're primarily used by dentists to check for decay that's usually found in between the teeth and also to show if there is proper lineup of the upper and lower teeth. With this X-ray, bone loss due to severe gum disease or infection is also validated.

2 - Periapical

This type of X-rays meanwhile will show the entire tooth, beginning from the exposed crown, root end, and even the bones that support the same. They are used for finding dental issues specifically situated below the gum line and/or the jaw. Examples of the problems validated by periapical X-rays are bone changes, impacted teeth, abscesses, tumors, cysts, and others.

3 - Occlusal

Occlusal X-rays on the other hand will show both the roof and the floor of the mouth, the purpose of which is to find things like extra teeth, teeth which haven't broken through the gums yet, fractures in the jaw, cleft in the roof of the mouth, growths, cysts, and abscesses. Likewise, they are sometimes used for finding a foreign object.

4 - Panoramic

And then there's the panoramic X-rays. They are used to obtain a broad view of the teeth, jaws, nasal area, sinuses, and the jaw joints. However, they are not particularly intended to find cavities. Instead, they can provide information about impacted teeth, solid growths and tumors, infections, fractures, and bone abnormalities.
Dental X-rays are a product of innovation and technology in dentistry and the health industry in general. We all should be thankful for this technology because it has become easier and more accurate for dentists and dental professionals to detect problems and be able treat those problems earlier.

Looking for more? How about these additional resources below?

https://bestoralhealth.webnode.com/
https://lnt-best-dental-hygeinists-pros.webnode.com/tags/oral%20health/