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Dental X-rays
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.
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.
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.
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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