Types of Dental X-Rays
Dentists find many problems in patients' teeth through doing hands-on examinations. However, decay pockets between the teeth, bone density issues and other problems may not be visible to the naked eye. Fortunately, several types of dental X-rays exist that can be used as diagnostic tools. Dentists and orthodontists use these X-rays to diagnose a problem and come up with an appropriate treatment plan for certain problems.
Bite-Wing X-Rays
Bite-wing X-rays are used to view details of upper and lower teeth in a particular area of the mouth. According to Dentistry.com, they are one of the three most popular types of dental X-rays. They are used to find any decay between teeth that might not be spotted in a visual exam. They also show bone density changes in patients with gum disease, and they can be used to determine the integrity of dental fillings or the fit of a crown. Bite-wing X-rays show the teeth from their crowns down to the supported bone level.
Periapical X-Rays
Periapical X-rays show details of an entire tooth, from the crown down to the area below the root. According to Dentistry.com, they are one of the three most popular types of dental X-rays. Periapical X-rays can help a dentist find abnormalities in a tooth's root structure or the surrounding bone.
Panoramic X-Rays
Panoramic X-rays give a "big picture" view of all the teeth in a patient's upper and lower jaws. They are another of the three most commonly used types of dental X-rays. Every tooth is shown on one X-ray. Panoramic X-rays show the position of emerging teeth as well as those that are already fully grown in. They help a dentist find impacted teeth, and they can also reveal tumors in the mouth and jaw area.
Cephalometric Projections
Cephalometric projections are a type of X-ray that show an entire side of the patient's head. They are often used by orthodontists to help formulate a treatment plan. They show the relationship of the teeth to the jaw and the patient's overall profile.
Digital X-Rays
Digital X-rays use digital imaging to instantly send an image of the patient's teeth to a computer in the dentist's office. Dentistry.com says they use up to 90 percent less radiation than traditional X-rays, and they do not have to be developed. Dentists can enlarge digital X-rays to more closely examine a suspected problem or to explain something to the patient. They can also send a copy of the X-rays instantly if they need to consult with another professional or specialist.
Tags: dental X-rays, three most, types dental, X-rays show, According Dentistry, According Dentistry they
