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DENTAL X-RAYS
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Dental problems often go undetected because they remain hidden within the teeth and bones of the mouth. X-rays identify these unseen developments. In addition to visually identifying cavities, X-rays can detect trauma to the teeth and bones, show impacted teeth, and illuminate signs of periodontal or bone disease. X-rays are an inexpensive and relatively harmless way to detect dental problems before they result in serious and potentially costly problems down the road.
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How X-rays work
When a patient needs an X-ray, the dentist inserts a photographic filmcard into the mouth at the location where the X-ray is taken. When the X-ray is filmed, a majority of the rays are absorbed by the hard parts of the mouth, namely the teeth and jawbone. These show up on a radiograph (an X-ray film which shows the X-ray results) and display any areas of concern that need to be addressed. |
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Types of X-rays
There are three main types of X-rays: bitewing, periapical, and panoramic. Bitewing X-rays can detect any decay that is occurring in between teeth. Periapical X-rays identify the structure of the jaw, the roots of a particular tooth, and the formation of abscesses. Panoramic X-rays, on the other hand, provide a full shot of a patient's mouth. This type of X-ray allows the dentist to get an overall sense of the tooth and bone structure of a patient's mouth. Panoramic X-rays are ill suited for pinpointing minute conditions of individual teeth. Every 3-5 years, a dentist takes a complete set of X-rays in order to get a detailed visual picture of a patient's mouth. This usually consists of approximately 18 films. |
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Health Concerns
Because X-rays do contain a small amount of radioactive material, patients often worry about this exposure. Fortunately, X-rays are taken with high-speed film that minimizes a patient's exposure to this radiation. Combine this with a lead apron and the high tech equipment used by today's dentists, and patients have little cause for worry. In fact, normal dental X-rays are safer than allowing existing problems in the mouth (cavities or impacted teeth) to persist. Children typically need more X-rays because of the growth and changes occurring in their mouths. Although there is little or no risk, parents should monitor how often their children have X-rays taken. |
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