Dental radiographs – commonly known as dental X-rays – are used to find hidden dental issues that are difficult to detect through manual means. These include hidden dental structures, tumors, and cysts related to oral cancer, bone loss due to missing teeth, cavities, and other issues that are not visible to the naked eye.
Purpose of Dental Radiography
A radiographic image is captured with the use of a controlled burst of X-ray radiation. The amount of radiation that is administered to take the radiographic image is extremely minimal and therefore safe. This service is provided by many dental offices, most likely including a dental clinic near you; however, due to the risks that are associated with radiography, there are strict regulations imposed by authorities about carrying out this procedure.
Dental X-rays in Edina that are taken inside the mouth are called intra-oral radiographic images. They are further divided below. These are used to detect different oral issues and conditions.
1) Periapical radiographs
These images examine the periapical area of your mouth, which includes the tissues that surround the apex of the root of your tooth. To take these images, the digital receptor is placed parallel (vertical) to the entire length of your teeth that are being captured. These particular images can detect most periodontal problems and any fractures due to dental trauma. There are used in the evaluation process for dental implants as well.
2) Bitewing view radiographs
For these images, you have to bite down on a special paper that shows your dentist the way the crowns of your teeth match up. It is a highly effective technique to check for cavities in between your teeth. Bitewing view also shows signs of extensive bone loss, since they can show the bone levels more accurately than the periapical view images.
3) Occlusal view radiographs
This view is taken with your jaw closed. It vividly exhibits the way your upper and lower teeth line up, that shows any anatomical abnormalities you may have on your palate or the floor of the mouth.
4) Panoramic view or full mouth radiographs
This view is taken with the dental radiography machine rotating around your head. It is used to check for any wisdom tooth complications, evaluations for dental implants, and also to assess any jawbone-related problems.
There are also extra-oral radiographic images that are taken by keeping the photographic sensor outside of the mouth. This method is mostly used to detect dental malocclusions for orthodontic treatments.
Process of Taking Dental X-Rays
You do not need any special preparation to take dental X-rays. Simply brush your teeth well before your appointment with your dentist in Edina in order to create a more pleasant and hygienic environment for a procedure in your oral cavity. If your X-ray is taken during your routine teeth cleaning, it will be done before the scaling and deep cleaning are performed. The following is the brief step by step process of getting a dental X-ray.
- Once you comfortably sit in the dental chair, a lead vest will be placed, covering your chest and lap.
- The dental radiography machine will be positioned in line with your head, at an angle that is easier to capture images of your mouth.
- Depending on whether the dentist needs intra-oral or extra-oral images, the photographic sensor will be placed accordingly.
- Once the images are ready, your dentist will examine them and check for any abnormalities.
- If they find cavities or other dental problems, they will discuss your treatment options with you.