The Different Types Of Dental X-ray

A dental X-ray helps dentists examine a patient’s teeth. It assists dental practitioners in preventing and treating possible mouth problems before these become serious health issues. Teeth and bones absorb the radiation emitted by the X-ray and then it reaches the gums.

Some dentists from Toronto dental clinic use dental X-rays for the following reasons:

• Examining cavities
• Checking teeth roots
• Assess gum problems and other diseases
• Observe the growing teeth

Types of dental X-ray

Dental X-ray consists of two (2) primary types: intraoral and extraoral.

Intraoral

Dentists find this the most common X-ray and more informative about the internal aspect of the mouth. These are the three (3) types of intraoral X-ray.

Bitewings

This features the crowns at the rear of the mouth. Patients bite down on a wing-shaped gadget that keeps the film in place. Dentists from Toronto dental clinic use this to examine and look for decay.

Periapical

It exhibits the entirety of each tooth. Dentists see the full length of the tooth spanning from its crown to its root.

Occlusal

This type of dental X-ray is required among children. Dentists see how their teeth develop in the mouth. One X-ray exhibits either lower or upper jaw and includes the child’s almost full arch of teeth.

Extraoral

This shows the entire teeth and provides information on the patient’s jaw. Here are the three (3) types of extraoral X-ray.

Panoramic

This type shows the entire mouth through a single X-ray. Dentists from Toronto dental clinic see all the teeth in the upper and lower jaws of their patients. A panoramic X-ray helps dentists check the growth of wisdom teeth.

Cephalometric projections

This type aids dentists to know the right orthodontic treatment that their patients need. It shows the entire side of the patient’s head.

Cone-beam computed tomography

Dentists require this type of X-ray if the patient needs to undergo a dental implant procedure. This guides the dentists in choosing the implant and location.

Standard computed tomography

Dentists require this from patients especially if they need to know the location and size of the dental implants. This emits higher amounts of radiation than the cone-beam CT.

When patients learn about different types of dental X-ray, it helps them understand what’s happening in their teeth.