Dental exams often include the process of x-rays to check out the insides of your teeth, look at your jaw structure, and watch wisdom teeth. Dental x-rays are used on patients of all ages to help diagnose a variety of dental problems and monitor the health of your teeth. Our dentists at Northview Dental use x-rays for a variety of things and want current and future patients to learn more about them. Below is more information about the types of x-rays, what they are used for, and if they are safe for patients.
1- Bitewing X-Ray
This type of x-ray is very common and is used for preventative purposes. This helps dentists see tooth decay below the gum line and help to mediate the issue before it deteriorates your jaw. Bitewind x-rays can locate the source of tooth sensitivity quickly by using a sensor that sends the x-ray directly to the computer and doesn’t require time to develop film.
2- Periapical X-Ray
The periapical x-ray shows the entirety of your tooth and your jawbone. This will help your dentist to see the entire tooth including just past the tooth root. These are used when your dentist suspects damage to your tooth root or issues with the jawbone.
3- Occlusal X-Ray
If your dentist needs to know what is happening in the roof of your mouth or the floor of your mouth, they will utilize an occlusal x-ray. This can be used for patients that haven’t seen adult teeth come in, or are having odd tooth placement. If you have extra teeth, cleft palate, cysts, or growths, these will all be seen with occlusal x-ray.
4- Panoramic X-Ray
Using a special machine, dentists and x-ray techs will be able to take one image of your upper and lower teeth that results in a 2D image and a 3D image. This is another common method that will help diagnose anything from the timeline of your braces, regular checkups, cysts, tumors, or sinusitis. Even if you are not experiencing a major dental procedure anytime soon, your dentist may order this dental x-ray just to ensure that nothing is going to sneak up on you.
5- Cephalometric Projection
This x-ray takes one side of the entire head and is more commonly used by orthodontists over dentists. Utilizing this x-ray will help orthodontists to make better treatment plans and can help diagnose throat problems.
This dental x-ray is also a great option for those who struggle with sleep apnea. It can help determine the cause and help begin the start of a treatment plan.
6- Cone Beam X-Ray
Cat scans or cone beam dental x-rays are an imaging method that can change 2D images into 3D ones that shows every dimension of the teeth and surrounding bone structures. This gives a patient an extremely accurate diagnosis which will help dentists virtually cast an implant or other mechanism before it needs to be implanted in your mouth. This means a more exact approach and a shorter healing time for you.
Are X-Rays Dangerous?
Despite some popular rumors, dental x-rays are a safe way to diagnose many oral problems. These are used as preventative measures and as diagnostic methods in order for the dentist to best treat you. Advances in technology continue to lower the risk from x-rays and limit the effects of radiation. Currently, x-rays are only needed for a clinical diagnosis, so if you are concerned about the frequency of your x-rays, talk to your dentist.
Dental X-Rays With Northview Dental
Our dentists at Northview Dental want to help treat you in the most effective and noninvasive way possible which is why we continue to use dental x-rays and implement new technologies as they are available. We perform dental x-rays only when they are truly needed to help treat your oral complications. Our dentists know that radiation exposure can be a scary topic that worries many of our patients. If you have concerns or want to limit the number of x-rays we perform on you, talk to us and we will be happy to discuss solutions.
Northview Dental loves serving patients in the Northern Utah area and improving smiles in patients of all ages. No matter what problem you are experiencing or if you just need a routine checkup, we have many staff members who are ready to help. We offer cosmetic dentistry, preventative care, jaw treatment, teeth extractions, and more. Contact our office in Ogden to get started today!
