When you have a dental problem, your dentist is likely to perform a visual examination first. However, a simple oral exam does not always provide accurate information your dental practitioner needs for diagnosis and treatment. That is where dental x-rays can be important, helping identify your oral problems early on before they cause serious health implications.?
So, what is a dental x-ray and why it is important? Let?s understand here.
What is Dental X-Ray?
A dental x-ray is an imaging procedure that uses radiation to capture precise images of your teeth and gums. This enables the dentists to observe the inside of your mouth better, helping diagnose the underlying problems which cannot be otherwise seen with a simple visual examination.
A dental x-ray might sound complex but it is a common tool used by dentists today for effective evaluation of your oral health and treatment.
What Types of Oral Problems Can X-Rays Help Detect?
X-rays in adults can help your dental practitioner to:
- Identify areas of dental decay that may not be otherwise visible with a visual examination. This is especially helpful in diagnosing decays between teeth or underneath a dental filling
- Detect changes in the root canal or bone, arising from an infection
- Diagnose periodontal diseases, resulting in bone loss in the jaw
- Understand the position and condition of teeth to prepare for a wide range of dental procedures like braces, tooth implants, dentures, etc.
- Identify abscesses which is an infection at the root of the teeth or between a tooth and the gum
A dental x-ray can also be used in children to:
- Diagnose tooth decay due to cavities or other dental problems
- Assess if the primary tooth is being lost well on time to allow the permanent tooth to come in
- Check the development of a wisdom tooth and if it is facing difficulties to emerge through the gums
- Identify other oral abnormalities, such as cysts or tumours in some cases
Types of Dental X-Rays Near Me
Different types of dental x-rays are done to capture different views of the mouth. The most common intraoral x-rays are:
- Occlusal: The x-ray is performed when the jaw is closed to determine how the bottom and upper teeth are lined up. The procedure also helps identify anatomical abnormalities of the palate or the floor of the mouth. It helps capture the entire teeth line for a clear view.
- Periapical: The procedure captures images of the complete teeth set, from root to the crown.
- Panoramic: In this type of dental imaging procedure, the x-ray machines revolves around the head. The images may be used to check the development of your wisdom teeth, identify jaw problems or prepare for dental implants.
Extraoral x-ray is used when there might be problems outside the teeth and gums, like in the jaw. The type of x-ray you need will be determined by your dentist based on an oral exam and your dental condition.
Risks of Dental X-Rays
A dental x-ray is done using radiation but the exposure level is significantly low. Therefore, it is considered safer for both adults and children. The use of digital x-rays further reduces the risk of radiation exposure.
However, your dentist or dental x-ray technician will take all precautionary measures to prevent radiation exposure to the vital organs, such as the chest, abdomen and pelvic area. A lead ?bib? is placed over these areas for added protection against any amount of radiation. For patients with thyroid conditions, a thyroid collar may be used.
The safety of the procedure and accuracy of results depends on the expertise and technologies used. Therefore, choose a reliable diagnostic centre for a dental x-ray near me.
Importance of Digital X-Rays
Recently, traditional dental x-ray procedures are fast being substituted by a modern technology, named digital imaging. The procedure does not require developing the x-ray film in a dark room; rather, the images are directly sent to a computer system where they can be viewed, stored or printed. The benefits of using digital x-rays are:
- The procedure involves less exposure to radiation than the traditional x-ray and is, therefore, safer
- The waiting time to get digital x-ray reports is low, i.e., the images are available right away on the computer screen after being captured
- The image quality isn?t just accurate but can also be enlarged or enhanced to make it easier for the dentist to diagnose the problem better
- The images can be stored in the computer and compared with previous ones to understand any development or deterioration of your dental condition
How Often Should You Get Dental X-Rays Done?
The frequency of dental x-rays will depend on your dental condition and medical history. While some patients may need an x-ray every 6 months, others who do not have any dental problem or visit their dentist regularly may only need a dental x-ray every two years. If you are a new patient with major oral problems, you may need to take an x-ray during the first visit. Often, x-rays taken at the first exam may be used to compare with images taken over time to identify problems of changes in your dental condition.
Patients who are at high risk of dental problems, such as children or people with periodontal disease or restorative work, may require taking x-rays more often.
Why Choose the Best Dental X-Ray Clinic Near Me?
While dental x-rays are considered relatively risk-free due to low levels of radiation exposure, it is important to evaluate your oral health and diagnose any dental problem at an early stage. It is also used as an integral part of restorative dentistry or treatment procedures. Therefore, the choice of diagnostic clinic for ?dental x-ray near me? is important.
Janta X-Ray Clinic has over 27 years of excellence in high-quality digital imaging, leveraging fully-equipped labs and vast expertise to guarantee high levels of x-ray accuracy.If you are looking for a CBCT dental scan near me in Delhi, Janta X-Ray Clinic is your most trusted choice.Call 011-4911-4911 to schedule an appointment today.?
