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Have you ever wondered why we take dental x - rays?

Dental x-rays allow dental professionals to:

  • See decay between the teeth

  • Check for bone loss

  • Check for decay under fillings

  • Evaluate for infection at the tip of the root

  • Examine areas before procedures.

Types of Dental X-rays

  • Panoramic Radiographs
  • Periapical Radiographs
  • Bitewing Radiographs
  • Occlusal Radiographs

Panoramic Radiographs

Uses:

  • Detection and diagnosis of oral pathological lesions

  • Evaluation of impacted teeth

  • Examination of the extent of large lesions

  • Detection of calcified carotid arteries: potential stroke victims

  • Evaluation of growth and development for pediatric patients 

  • Evaluation of teeth and jaw position for patients in orthodontic treatment (braces) 

  • Detection of fractured jaws and traumatic injuries

(Wilkins, 2017, page 230)

Periapical Radiograph

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Are Dental 

X-Rays Safe?

Periapical radiographs are used to obtain a view of the entire tooth and its periodontal supporting structures.

(Wilkins, 2017, page 222)

Bitewing Radiographs

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Horizontal Bitewings are taken to view the crowns of the teeth and alveolar crest in a dentition with normal to slight bone loss. 

(Wilkins, 2017, page 223)

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Vertical bitewings are taken to view the crowns of the teeth and alveolar bone level with moderate to severe bone loss.

(Wilkins, 2017, page 223)

Occlusal Radiograph

Occlusal radiographs are taken to show large areas of the maxilla, mandible, or floor of the mouth.

(Wilkins, 2017, page 223)

occlusal_X_ray.jpg
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