Dental x-rays: benefits, process, and how to see the results & bull; hello healthy

Definition

What is a dental x-ray?

A dental X-ray or dental X-ray is a medical procedure that takes pictures of the inside of the mouth using radiation fluids. Dental x-rays are also called dental radiographs or dental X rays.

This procedure is usually performed by dentists and oral surgeons to determine the state of your teeth, bones, and soft tissue that make up your teeth.

X-rays can show cavities in teeth, hidden tooth structures (such as wisdom teeth), and bone loss that is not visible to the naked eye.

This procedure can also help doctors in:

• Finding cysts, tumors, or abscesses that are in the mouth.
• Examining the location of prospective permanent teeth growing in the jaw in children who still have baby teeth.
• Planning therapy to correct untidy teeth alignment (orthodontics)

When should I have a dental x-ray?

How often to perform this procedure may vary from person to person. Some people may need x-rays of their teeth every six months. However, others may need X-rays only every few years.

A number of factors that may make you need more frequent dental X-rays include:

• Age
• Overall oral health
• Symptoms of certain oral diseases
• History of gum disease (gingivitis) or tooth decay

In principle, if you have certain dental problems, you may be more likely to do this imaging test.

For example, children may need it more often than adults because their teeth and jawbones are still not fully developed.

On the other hand, children are also more prone to having problems with their teeth and mouth than adults because they tend to like sweet foods and rarely brush their teeth.

By doing X-rays, the doctor can monitor the growth of the child's permanent teeth later. If the prospective child's permanent tooth is found to be overlapping with other teeth, the doctor can plan a tooth extraction procedure.

Types

What are the different types of dental x-rays?

X-rays are divided into two main categories, namely intraoral and extraoral. Intraoral is an imaging test that is taken inside the mouth, while extraoral is taken from outside the mouth.

Intraoral X-ray

Intraoral is the type of x-ray most often used in dentistry. Intraoral X-rays themselves are of several types, including:

1. Bitewing X-ray

This type of x-ray is used to determine the state of your lower and upper jaw teeth in one area. During the exam, the doctor will ask you to bite into a special piece of paper.

Usually doctors perform this procedure to check for decay between the back teeth, both above and below.

Your doctor will also perform this procedure to see how flat your upper and lower teeth are.

The scan results may also show bone loss due to severe gum disease or a tooth infection.

2. Periapical X-ray

Periapical X-rays look similar to bitewing X-rays. However, this procedure is more aimed at showing the length of each of your teeth from the crown to the root. This procedure will also show the bones that support your teeth.

Usually doctors perform this procedure to find dental problems under the surface of the gums or in the jaw. For example, colliding teeth, abscesses, cysts, tumors, and bone changes caused by certain diseases.

3. Occlusal X-ray

This procedure can reveal your palate and floor of your mouth. An X-ray can show almost the entire dental arch in the upper or lower jaw.

Occlusal X-rays are used to look for additional teeth, teeth that have not grown out of the gums, broken jaws, cracks in the roof of the mouth (cleft palate), cyst, abscess, or other problem.

This procedure can also be used to detect the presence of foreign objects in the mouth.

Extraoral X-rays

While below are the types of extraoral x-rays you need to know.

1. Panoramic X-ray

This procedure can show the condition of your entire mouth. Starting from the teeth, sinuses, nose area, and joints in the jaw (temporomandibular joint).

Doctors perform this procedure to find out disorders in the mouth. For example, stacked teeth, abnormal jawbones, cysts, tumors, infections, and fractures.

This procedure can also be used to plan treatment for dentures, braces, tooth extractions, and dental implants.

During the exam the doctor will ask you to take a bite. Meanwhile a device attached to the X-ray machine will hold your head and jaw in place. After that, within seconds the machine will rotate around your head and capture an image of your jaw and teeth.

2. Cephalometric projectionsare X-ray

This imaging test is taken from all sides of the head. Usually doctors perform this imaging test to see the tooth structure that is closely related to the jawbone or facial features of people.

With this X-ray your doctor can determine the best type of orthodontic treatment for your condition. This orthodontic treatment includes pairs of braces, dental implants, dentures, and others.

3. Sialography

Sialography is an imaging test that allows your doctor to see the condition of your salivary glands. A dye called a radio contrast agent is injected into the salivary glands. That way, the doctor can see the soft tissue around the problematic salivary glands on an X-ray film.

4. Digital radiography

Digital radiography is one of the newest x-ray techniques. The standard X-ray film is replaced by a flat electronic panel or sensor.

After an X-ray is shot at the object, the image will go directly to the computer and displayed on the screen.

So, you don't have to wait long to see X-rays. This also allows the x-rays to be saved or printed on the spot.

Precautions & warnings

What should I know before having a dental X-ray?

As with general x-rays, dental radiographs also carry a risk of radiation. However, the risk of exposure to radiation from X-rays is low, making it safe for both children and adults.

Usually, the doctor will ask you to wear a special apron made of lead. This apron can cover the chest, abdomen and pelvis so that these parts of the body are not exposed to radiation exposure.

Even so, this imaging test may not be safe for pregnant women and women who are planning to become pregnant. Although the radiation level is low, it is feared that exposure can interfere with the development of the fetus in the womb.

That's why before an X-ray, tell your dentist if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.

Check your teeth at the new doctor? Don't forget to bring a copy of your old x-ray and show it to the dentist you are currently visiting. This way, you will no longer need x-rays at your new dentist.

Preparation & process

What should I prepare before a dental X-ray?

Actually there is no special preparation that you have to do before doing this test. You can be immediately photographed when you come to the doctor's office.

However, for optimal X-rays, it's a good idea to remove all accessories attached to your body. Starting from jewelry, watches, glasses, and other tools that contain metal in the body.

If you have dental fillings made from amalgam or if you wear dentures, report it to your doctor immediately. Metals can block X rays from penetrating into the body.

Not all clinics and hospitals provide special clothes for patients. Therefore, make sure you wear comfortable and loose clothing when doing this imaging test. Comfortable clothes allow you to move freely.

In addition, you may need to brush your teeth. That way the state of your oral cavity will be cleaner.

Although it is not a serious medical procedure, some people may experience excessive anxiety. If you feel nervous when you take a dental X-ray, it's best to talk to your doctor. The doctor may give you a sedative so that you can perform the examination more relaxed.

What is the dental x-ray process?

The procedure will be carried out in a special room. The time required for this test is fairly short. You may only need about 10-15 minutes to do this.

The doctor will ask you to sit up straight. After that, the doctor or nurse's assistant will cover your body with a lead apron. This apron will protect your body from radiation rays. The nurse will also cover your neck with an apron collar (called thyroidshield) to protect the thyroid gland from radiation.

After that the nurse will ask you to take a bite of the cardboard or plastic strip that holds the X-ray film in it. Your doctor may ask you to do this several times to get an image of the entire tooth.

Some x-rays have a camera that will turn your head and take pictures of your teeth while you are sitting or standing upright. You may be asked to rinse your mouth before and after the x-ray procedure.

The scan results will be examined by your dentist.

What should I do after having a dental X-ray?

After the results of the examination come out, the doctor will then invite you to discuss. If there are no significant problems, you can immediately resume daily activities as usual.

However, it's a different story if the doctor has a problem with your teeth or mouth. For example, if the doctor finds cavities, cracked, or impacted teeth.

Your doctor can recommend a number of treatments that are appropriate for your condition. If needed, the doctor may also be able to carry out further tests to confirm the diagnosis.

Explanation of the Test Results

What do my test results mean?

Your test result is said normal when:

• No decay was seen
• There was no visible damage to the bone supporting the teeth
• There was no visible damage to the teeth, such as a broken tooth, or cracked jaw
• No cysts, tumors, or abscesses were seen
• No teeth grew out of line or teeth collided

Meanwhile, the test results are said to be abnormal if:

• There is decay seen
• There was visible damage to the bones supporting the teeth
• Visible tooth decay, such as a broken tooth, or cracked jaw
• You can see a cyst, tumor or abscess
• There are teeth growing out of line or teeth that have collided

What can affect the test?

The reasons below may prevent you from having an X-ray procedure or your X-rays are not clear:

• You move or can't hold the position of the plastic or cardboard that you bite during your X-ray
• If you use braces, retainers, dentures, and piercings (ears, tongue, lips, cheeks, or nose)