In the past, dentists mainly relied on physical exams to check your teeth. Nowadays, they use dental x-rays to spot issues, even below the jawbone. X-rays are essential for diagnosing and treating oral health problems. For example, dentists and orthodontists require x-rays to assess issues like wisdom teeth, misaligned teeth, or any suspected impacted teeth.
These x-rays offer crucial details that help dental professionals understand the state of your teeth and roots. They also allow dentists to examine your jaw’s alignment and the bones in your face. Orthodontists often request an x-ray before providing advice on correcting teeth. X-rays are usually recommended before and after getting braces.
There are different types of dental x-rays:
1. This is a radiograph that highlights parts of your teeth and mouth, showing any decay or gum problems.
2. This x-ray captures the entire tooth structure and is regularly used to spot any changes in the root and surrounding bone.
3. Often called a full-mouth survey x-ray, this captures the whole mouth, displaying all teeth, including impacted ones.
4. This x-ray tracks the arch development of both upper and lower teeth, often for monitoring children’s dental growth.
Advanced dental procedures utilize CT scans, 3D images, and digital x-rays, making dental imaging a crucial step before discussing any treatment plans.
Although it might be a little daunting, it’s helpful to uncover the real cause behind that pesky toothache, even if everything seems alright on the surface.
Dental x-rays aren’t as frequent as regular dentist visits. Their frequency depends on factors like your age, oral health, symptoms, and history of dental issues. If it’s your first dental x-ray, don’t worry. Dental professionals are trained to make the experience smooth and stress-free, even enjoyable for kids.
The dental radiologist or technician assisting you is qualified for the job, ensuring they capture the right angle of your teeth or mouth as needed. They focus on minimizing your radiation exposure and ensuring a high-quality image for accurate diagnosis or treatment.
While x-rays do involve radiation, it’s quite safe, even for children. Dental imaging uses very low radiation levels. Dental digital x-rays, in particular, have even less radiation exposure compared to traditional x-ray films.
Typically, technicians or dentists will provide a lead bib or apron to shield you from radiation. However, if you’re pregnant, it’s wise to avoid x-rays or procedures involving radiation due to potential harm to the fetus, regardless of how minimal.
During the x-ray, the technician will guide you on the proper posture based on the dentist’s evaluation of your condition. There might be issues like tooth decay or abscesses that aren’t visible during regular exams. By following the technician’s instructions, you can ensure the best image results. Otherwise, any positioning errors could mean retaking the x-ray.
Avoiding certain positioning mistakes can help you get accurate results. Your radiographic assistant might need to adjust your position and ask you to hold still for a brief moment to get the best possible image.
Dental x-rays are now integral to dental treatments. Your dentist will use the results to effectively address concerns and plan your care, so there’s no need to worry. You’ll have a health professional making sure you receive minimal radiation exposure and that your experience is comfortable.
