Dental X-ray
Is the pictures of the teeth, bones, and soft tissues around them to help find problems with the teeth, mouth, and jaw. X-ray pictures can show cavities, hidden dental structures (such as wisdom teeth), and bone loss that cannot be seen during a visual examination. Dental X-rays may also be done as follow-up after dental treatments.
Parameters defined during the test
- Teeth contour
- The presence of decay cavities, their dimensions, depth and the proportion to the tooth cavity
- Paradontal condition
- Tooth pulp condition
- Inter-alveolar septum condition
- Accuracy of the pulp cap, excavation and filling material.
- Toothache
- Increased sensitivity of the tooth
- Shaky tooth
- Pyorrhea under the dental crown
- Redness, swelling and soreness of the gums
- Discoloration of tooth enamel
- The presence of visible cavities in the tooth
- Medical procedures execution control
Before the X-ray test, tell your doctor if you are or might be pregnant. Dental X-rays are only done on your mouth area, but if you are pregnant, routine dental X-rays may be postponed so you do not have any radiation to your baby (fetus). If dental X-rays are absolutely needed, a lead apron will be placed over your belly to shield your baby from the X-rays.
You do not need to do anything else before having a dental X-ray.
How the procedure is performed
Dental X-rays are taken in the dentist's office. The X-ray pictures are read by your dentist.
A dental technician will cover you with a heavy lead apron as you sit upright in a chair. This apron shields your body from X-rays. The technician can cover your neck with the collar of the apron (called a thyroid shield) to shield the thyroid gland from radiation.
Everyone else in the room wears a protective apron or stays behind a protective shield.
The dental technician will have you bite down on a small piece of cardboard or plastic. The cardboard or plastic holds X-ray film. You may do this several times to get pictures of all your teeth. Some X-ray machines have a camera that circles your head and takes pictures of your teeth while you sit or stand.
You may want to rinse your mouth before and after the X-rays.
Some dentists use digital radiography. This method uses an electronic sensor instead of X-ray film. An electronic image is taken and stored in a computer. This image can be viewed on a computer screen. Less radiation is needed to make an image with digital radiography than with standard dental X-rays.
Abnormalities determined by Dental X-ray
- Primary / secondary caries
- Pulpitis
- Degenerative processes in the pulp
- Amphodontitis
- Developmental abnormalities, such as cysts and some types of tumors
- An abscess (an infection at the root of a tooth or between the gum and a tooth)
- Gingivitis
- Periodontitis
- Parodontosis
- Eosinophilic granuloma