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X Rays in Dentistry

dental x-ray

X Rays in Dentistry


arrow.gifWhat is a dental X-Ray?

arrow.gifWhy do I need Dental X-Rays?

arrow.gifHow often do I need dental X-Rays?

arrow.gifAre Dental X-Rays dangerous?





 
What is a Dental X-Ray?

The term X-ray is a reference to the radiation that is used to create the image on a film or digital xray sensor. The image is referred to as a radiograph.

A radiograph is an extremely important diagnostic tool. These images show us many things that are not visible by just looking in the mouth. Radiographs therefore are an essential part of a thorough and complete examination. In order to do a proper check-up it is important that radiographs are used to help with the visual examination. Without the proper use of both, an inferior examination and inferior treatment will result.
 

Digital Radiography


Very similar to digital photography this amazing technology allows us to view and manipulate dental radiographs almost instantaneously.

The benefit to you is approximately 90% less exposure to X-ray radiation. It also enables us to communicate any problems more effectively to you, as the image appears on a large LCD screen.
It is also kinder to the environment as no waste chemicals need to be disposed of.
 
digital x ray dentl x ray tube

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Why do I need Dental X-Rays?

dental x_ray bitewings

Bitewings

Used to help diagnose cavities between the teeth, as these areas are not visible when looking directly in the mouth.


dental x ray periapicals

Periapicals

show the entire tooth, including the root and surrounding bone. They are useful in diagnosing an abscess, impacted tooth or bone loss due to periodontal disease.





dental x ray panoramic

Panoramic (Panex)

  • Gives a view of the whole jaw
  • A good screening tool
  • Used for the extraction of wisdom teeth
  • Shows any abnormal growths or cysts in the jaw bone.
It is important that old and new radiographs are compared in order to achieve an accurate diagnosis.

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How Often do I need dental X-Rays?

There is no set time frame; it depends on your oral health and susceptibility to dental disease. For most people two "bitewings" taken every 18 to 24 months is adequate, but for those with a high decay rate and /or poor oral hygiene, once a year may be necessary.

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Are Dental X-Rays dangerous?

The ionizing radiation that you receive from one dental X-ray is substantially less that the natural background radiation that you receive every day from natural sources (the sun and the stars). For example, the radiation exposure to take a single periapical radiograph is equivalent to two hours of sunshine at 2000 metres e.g.on a ski field).

Radiation doses are kept at the lowest practical level to minimise patient exposure. This is achieved by the use of a long cone position-indicating device, appropriate settings on the machine and using the latest high-speed digital sensors.

Any radiation is potentially harmful but the benefits of having the radiographs taken far outweigh the risks associated with such minute exposures. There are many times that a radiograph is necessary to diagnose certain conditions. It has been proven that X-rays pose a minimal risk to a pregnant woman and her unborn baby. However, radiographs for pregnant women are only taken in an emergency situation.

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