All you need to know about Dental X-Rays
X-rays — (radiographs) are a type of energy that is diagnostic, preventative and an essential part of a dental treatment plan. Dental X-rays are pictures of the teeth, bones, and gums and used to find problems with the teeth, mouth, and jaw. These pictures show cavities, dental structures and bone loss.
Dental X-rays are divided into two main categories:

Intraoral — X-ray is taken inside the mouth.

Extraoral — X-ray is taken outside of the mouth.
Types of intraoral x-rays — show different aspects of teeth, high level of detail of the bone, tooth and supporting tissues of the mouth.
- Periapical x-rays — the entire tooth from the crown, to the bone and root where the tooth is attached into the jaw.
- Bite-wing x-rays — the upper and lower posterior teeth, detect decay between teeth, show a tooth from its crown to the level of the supporting bone.
- Occlusal x-rays — spot the placement and development of the arch of teeth in both the jaws.
Types of Extraoral x-rays — detect dental problems in the jaw and skull.
Panoramic x-rays — complete mouth area on a single x-ray, less radiation than intraoral X-rays.
Tomograms — show a specific layer of the mouth and blur out other layers.
Cephalometric projections — complete side of the head, teeth in relation to the jaw and profile, specific teeth realignment approach.
Sialogram — Dye is injected into the salivary glands to look for related problems, such as blockages or Sjogren’s syndrome.
Cone Beam CT — cone-shaped beam provides 3-D images of dental structures, soft tissue, bone and nerves, guide tooth implant placement, evaluates cysts and tumors, detect problems in the gums, roots of teeth, and jaws, can be used in a dentist’s office.
Standard computed tomography (CT) — in a radiologist’s office or a hospital, high radiation, to determine size and placement location for implants.
Dental computed tomography (CT) — looks at interior structures in 3-D, finds problems in the bones of the face such as tumors, cysts and fractures.
Digital imaging — 2-D type of dental imaging can be sent directly to a computer, images can be viewed on screen, stored, printed, enhanced and enlarged, less radiation than x-rays.
MRI imaging — 3-D view of the oral cavity including jaw and teeth.
Dental X-ray Machines, systems and tools:
· Digital Panoramic X-rays — 2D & 3D digital dental equipment imaging for caries detection, diagnosis of TMJ issues, OPG images in a single image.
· Cephalometric extension — images that evaluate the five components of the face.
· Dental Cone Beam Systems — 3D imaging systems, dental implant treatment.
· CBCT machine — mandibular canal location, surgical guides, and pre-surgical treatment planning, 2D and 3D dental software applications.
· Intraoral Camera & Dental Camera.
· Intraoral X-ray Sensors — replacement for film x-rays.
· Films.
· Phosphor Plate X-ray Systems — reusable sensor plates instead of film used for an intraoral x-ray image.
· Digital Imaging Software — tool for enhancing images.
· Digital Radiography Accessories.
ALARA principle — (radiation exposure is) As Low As Reasonably Achievable.
Dental X-ray tools are designed to limit the body’s exposure to radiation.
· Leaded apron — covers the body from the neck to the knees and minimizes exposure from stray radiation.
· Leaded thyroid collar — protects the thyroid from radiation.
For the all orthodontic instruments, contact Dentals.ca
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