Understanding Dental X-Rays: A Guide for Franklin Dental Patients

Dental x-rays are a very reliable tool used to capture quick and painless images of your teeth and jaws. X-rays are a form of high energy electromagnetic radiation that penetrate the body to form an image that can be either traditional (taken with film) or digital (taken with digital sensors and a computer). Digital dental x-rays use 80% to 90% less radiation compared to traditional dental X-ray machines.

Dentists in franklin use x-rays to examine structures they can’t see during a routine checkup with the naked eye, like your jawbone, nerves, sinuses and teeth roots. They help the dentist detect oral health issues, like cavities and gum disease, before they worsen.

HOW DO DENTAL X-RAYS WORK?

The low-radiation beam used in x-rays creates images of your teeth and bones by passing through your tissues. Body parts such as bones and teeth absorb majority of the x-rays and will show up as white areas on the resulting image, while less dense body parts such as nerves and muscles absorb less x-rays, showing up as shades of grey.

USES OF DENTAL X-RAYS

1) For Diagnosis-

• Detecting cavities.
• Assessing gum disease
• Monitoring bone health
• Monitoring tooth development
• Detecting the position of un-erupted or impacted teeth.
• Identifying dental abscesses or infections
• Cysts and tumors.
• Assessing the jaw and sinuses.

2) For treatment planning-

• Dentures
• Orthodontic treatment
• Root canal treatment

TYPES OF DENTAL X-RAYS

These consist of 2 main types:

1.Intraoral: The film or sensor is placed inside your mouth.

2.Extraoral: The film or sensor is positioned outside your mouth.

1) Intraoral X-rays-

• Bitewing X-rays: These x-rays show the upper and lower teeth in one specific area of your mouth. These are used to detect decay between your teeth or any changes that occur just below your gum line. The roots of the teeth are generally not much visible in these x-rays.
• Periapical X-rays: These x-rays show your entire tooth, from the crown to the root tip and are used to detect decay, gum disease, bone loss and any other abnormalities of your tooth or surrounding bone.‍
• Occlusal X-rays: These help to detect any issues in the floor or roof of your mouth. Hence, can be used for diagnosing fractured or impacted teeth or evaluating the roots of your front teeth. Occlusal images can also help diagnose cysts, abscesses and jaw fractures. In Pediatrics these may be used to evaluate the developing teeth.

2)Extraoral X-rays-

• Panoramic X-rays: Also known as OPG, these show all the structures in your mouth on a single image, in a 2D plane, including your upper and lower teeth, jaw joints, sinuses and supporting bone.
• Cephalometric X-rays: These show your entire head from the side. It helps your dentist evaluate the location of your teeth in relation to your jaws. These are often used in Orthodontics to plan treatment for malaligned teeth.‍
• Cone beam CT scan: Computed tomography (CT) scans are used to capture 3D dental X-rays of your teeth, jaws, joints, nerves and sinuses. These x-rays can also detect tumors or facial fractures and help in the treatment planning for Implant placement.

RISKS AND SAFETY OF DENTAL X-RAYS

• Radiation Exposure: Dental x-rays use a very small amount of radiation, far less than other types of medical imaging, such as chest x-rays or CT scans. The risks of radiation exposure are minimal, especially when precautions are taken to limit exposure.‍
• ‍Lead Apron: To protect you from unnecessary radiation exposure, a lead apron might be placed over your body during the x-ray. This helps protect sensitive areas like the abdomen and thyroid.
• ‍Frequency of X-rays: Dental x-rays are only performed when necessary. Their frequency will depend on your oral health, age, risk factors, and symptoms. Most people only need dental x-rays once a year or when the dentist suspects a problem.
• ‍Pregnancy Considerations: If you are pregnant, it’s important to inform your dentist before getting x-rays. Although dental x-rays use minimal radiation, extra precautions are taken during pregnancy, particularly during the first trimester, to minimise any potential risks.

CONCLUSION

Dental X-rays are an essential diagnostic tool in modern dentistry, helping dentists detect a wide range of oral health issues that cannot be seen with the naked eye. Whether you need to check for cavities, assess bone loss, monitor the development of teeth, or plan for dental treatments, x-rays provide critical information to ensure the health and longevity of your smile. With proper precautions and minimal risks, dental x-rays remain a safe and effective way to maintain optimal oral health. If you have any concerns about the procedure, speak to your dentist for more personalized information and guidance. We, at Franklin Bright Smiles are happy to assist you with all your queries.

FAQ's - Frequently Asked Questions

1)Are dental X-rays safe?

The radiation risk from a dental x-ray is quite small. In fact, the amount of radiation you get from a full set of dental x-rays is comparable to the amount of radiation you absorb from things like: TVs, smartphones, computers, etc.

2)How often should I get dental X-rays?

Most people with healthy teeth and gums should have dental x-rays taken once every six to 18 months. But if you have gum disease, recurring decay or other time-sensitive oral health issues, you may need more frequent x-rays.

3)Are dental X-rays safe in pregnancy?

Generally speaking, it’s safe to have x-rays of your teeth while pregnant or breastfeeding. In fact, studies have stated that dental x-rays pose little to no risk to a foetus. Even so, most dentists avoid taking x-rays during pregnancy unless it’s absolutely necessary. Make sure to tell your dentist if you are pregnant. Use of the lead apron and thyroid collar will protect you and your foetus from radiation exposure. Also, dental x-rays do not need to be delayed if you are trying to become pregnant or are breastfeeding.

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