Dental X-rays, often known as radiographs, are a visual representation of an individual’s teeth that a dentist uses to assess oral health. They capture these X-rays with the help of minimal intensity radiations to process an image of the insides of your gums and teeth. Typically, dentists use high-tech machines such as Carestream Dental scanners.
This practice allows your dentist to locate issues such as cavities, impacted teeth and tooth decay. Undergoing a dental X-ray might appear complicated, but they’re as necessary as teeth cleanings.
Before diving into the preparations, you need to take care of before a dental X-ray, let’s go over their types.
Main Types of Dental X-Rays
Different kinds of dental X-rays capture images of the mouth from various angles. The most abundant form of X-ray for teeth is intraoral, and it possesses the following types:
- Bitewing: This method demands you to bite down on a distinct paper in order to allow your dentist to check the alignment of your crowns. It’s primarily used to detect interdental cavities.
- Occlusal: Dentists suggest you resort to this technique to verify the line of your bottom and upper teeth. Additionally, you can use it to check for anatomical abnormalities in the mouth floor and the palate.
- Panoramic: During this X-ray, the scanning machine uses your head as an imaginary axis to rotate around. Your dental health professional may undertake this approach to diagnose wisdom teeth, strategise for implanting dental devices, or search for gum issues.
- Periapical: This methodology pivots on the couple of fully formed wisdom teeth from the crown to root.
Your dentist may utilise extraoral X-rays upon suspecting a problem outside your teeth or gum, such as the jaw.
Moreover, dental hygienists are present to guide you throughout the whole process. They tend to exit the room for a brief moment while the pictures are being clicked.
You’ll receive instructions to stay stagnant while the dentist stores the images. Film holders, also called Spacers, are mobile adjustments made within your mouth to aid the procedure.
Preparing a Dental X-ray
In all honesty, dental X-rays don’t demand any specific preparations.
Before driving over to the dentist, the only step you should take is to brush and floss appropriately. Consequently, you’ll secure a safe and healthy working environment for professionals operating in your mouth. You should generally undergo X-rays prior to cleanings.
While in the dentist’s clinic, you’ll sit with a vest made of lead spread on your lap and chest. The X-ray scanner is placed near your head in order to capture images of your teeth and gums.
A few dental institutions comprise a separate room dedicated to X-rays, while the rest execute them in the cleaning room.
Risks Involved in Dental X-Rays
Dental X-rays consist of radiations, but intensity levels are low enough to consider it safe for kids and adults. If you’re lucky enough to have a dentist who utilises digital X-Ray instead of developing pictures, your radiation risks are much lower.
They might also keep a bib made of lead on your pelvis, abdomen and chest to discard radiation exposure. You may ask them to use a thyroid collar if you’re suffering from thyroid. Besides, children and fertile women might also have to wear the collar.
However, it would be best to avoid all X-rays during pregnancy as radiation isn’t secure for growing fetuses.
Final Word
Like flossing, blushing and gargling, undergoing timely dental X-rays is vital for overall oral hygiene. Receiving a fruitful check-up is satisfactory, but getting X-rays frequently isn’t good.
It’s essential to receive supervision from a practitioner who uses high-quality X-ray machines such as scanners from Carestream Dental.
Depending on your insurance coverage, health, and age, you may undergo an X-ray once a year. Always take care of your teeth, commit to your scheduled appointments and consult a dentist if you feel anything unusual!
