Digital X-Ray
Dental X-Rays
Dental radiographs (X-rays,), are an essential part of any dental care treatment plan. They are diagnostic, but can also be preventative, by helping a dentist diagnose potential oral care issues in a patient’s mouth before it become a major problem. An X-ray is a type of energy that passes through soft tissues and is absorbed by dense tissue. Teeth and bone are very dense, so they absorb X-rays, while X-rays pass more easily through gums and cheeks.
Dental X-rays may reveal
- Cavities
- Areas of decay between the teeth or below existing fillings
- Health of the bony area around the tooth
- If periodontal disease is an oral care issue
- Status of developing teeth
- Developmental abnormalities.
- Gum disease and some types of infections
- Issues inside a tooth and beneath the gums
- Health of the bone and supporting tissues that hold teeth in place
Types of X-rays performed
Periapical:
Provides a view of the entire tooth, from the crown to the bone that helps to support the tooth.
Provides a view of the entire tooth, from the crown to the bone that helps to support the tooth.
Bite-Wing:
Offers a visual of both the lower and upper posterior teeth. This type of X-ray shows the dentist how these teeth touch one another (or occlude) and helps to determine if decay is present between back teeth.
Panoramic:
Shows a view of the teeth, jaws, nasal area, sinuses and the joints of the jaw, and is usually taken when a patient may need orthodontic treatment or implant placement.
Occlusal:
Offers a clear view of the floor of the mouth to show the bite of the upper or lower jaw. This kind of X-ray highlights children’s tooth development to show the primary (baby) and permanent (adult) teeth.