Dental X-Rays: The 4 Different Types and Their Use

Getting an x-ray during a scheduled dental visit is not really an exciting process. You must be wondering why our dentist has to put you through the grueling process anyway and why it’s crucial to go through with it at all.

After all, having to put on a heavy apron and hold a device between your teeth doesn’t make it into anyone’s fun list.

However, uncomfortable the process is, you should know that dental X-rays or Dental Radiography is an essential aspect of your dental care treatment plan.

They play a critical diagnostic and preventive role. They allow our dentist to diagnose and identify dental issues that could otherwise result in major dental conditions if not handled in a good time.

Dental radiography is used to single out potential dental issues on your gums, jaw, teeth, and mouth early enough before they blow up into serious dental conditions. This goes a long way in saving you loads of money, time, and even unnecessary pain.

What Are Dental X-rays Used for In Dentistry?

Other than for diagnosing, dental x-rays are used to determine the position of your teeth and bone condition while preparing for dental procedures that involve getting dentures or implants.

A dental x-ray in Easton can allow our dentist to single out the following dental issues, which could otherwise not be noticed through an oral examination.

Here are some of the X-ray uses:

In adults:

• To see the extent of tooth decay present especially in hard to see areas such as under dental fillings or in between your teeth
• To see if you have any cysts present
• They may be used to identify if there are any tumors present
• To check on the extent of jaw bone loss especially before dental procedures that may require bone grafting like getting dental implants
• To identify an abscessed tooth in case, our dentist suspects you may be suffering from this dental issue
• If you have any broken or fractured teeth, our dentist may recommend one to ascertain the level of damage on the affected teeth
• To check if there are any changes in your root canal due to an infection
• To check on the current condition and position of your teeth before fitting you with braces or conducting any orthodontic procedure

In children:

• They are utilized to verify if the space available in their mouths will fit all the permanent teeth about to emerge
• To check if any tooth decay is present
• A baby teeth x-ray is used to track the emergence of teeth from under the gums and to see whether they are any impacted teeth
• a wisdom teeth x-ray in children is utilized to check on the development of their wisdom teeth

Types of X-Rays

1. Periapical X-rays

Used to check the entire health and status of your tooth from the crown down to the root portion anchored within your jaw bone. This form of an x-ray is ideally used to check for abnormalities within your root structure and the surrounding bone region around your root.

2. Bite-wing X-rays

Give a detailed view of your upper and lower teeth in one region of your mouth from the crown to the supporting bone region. This x-ray is used to check for any decay in-between your teeth and any bone loss due to periodontal infections.

This type of x-ray is also used to determine the proper size of the dental crown or bridge you will need during a restorative procedure. It is used to check for any wears within your dental fillings.

3. Occlusal X-rays

These are used to keep track of the development and general placement of an entire arch of teeth on your upper or lower jaw. They include x-rays such as a baby teeth x-ray used by our pediatric dentist to check for impacted teeth.

4. Panoramic X-rays

These x-rays are used to take detailed images of your entire oral cavity. It can show the placement of emerged teeth, emerging and impacted teeth within the same image. These x-rays are also used to diagnose tumors.

Our dentist near you may also recommend this for a wisdom teeth x-ray to check on the developmental progress of wisdom teeth in children.

Visit us today at Maple Tree Dental for all your dental radiography and dental diagnostic needs.