| Dental
X-rays
Dental problems often go undetected because they remain hidden
within the teeth and bones of the mouth. X-rays identify these unseen
developments. In addition to visually identifying cavities, X-rays
can detect trauma to the teeth and bones, show impacted teeth, and
illuminate signs of periodontal or bone disease. X-rays are an inexpensive
and relatively harmless way to detect dental problems before they
result in serious and potentially costly conditions or diseases
down the road.
How X-rays work
When a patient needs an X-ray, the dentist inserts
a photographic filmcard into the mouth at the location where the
X-ray is taken. When the X-ray is filmed, a majority of the rays
are absorbed by the hard parts of the mouth, namely the teeth and
jawbone. These show up on a radiograph (an X-ray film that shows
the results), which displays any areas of concern that need to be
addressed.
Types of X-rays
There are three main types of X-rays: bitewing,
periapical, and panoramic. Bitewing X-rays can detect any decay
that is occurring in between teeth. Periapical X-rays identify the
structure of the jaw, the roots of a particular tooth, and the formation
of abscesses. Panoramic X-rays provide a full shot of a patient's
mouth. This type of X-ray allows the dentist to get an overall sense
of the tooth and bone structure. Panoramic X-rays are ill suited
for pinpointing minute conditions of individual teeth. Every 3-5
years, a dentist takes a complete set of X-rays in order to get
a detailed visual picture of a patient's mouth. This usually consists
of approximately 18 films.
Health Concerns
Because X-rays do contain a small amount of radioactive
material, patients often worry about this exposure. Fortunately,
X-rays are taken with high-speed film that minimizes a patient's
exposure to this radiation. Combine this with a lead apron and the
high tech equipment used by today's dentists, and patients have
little cause for worry. In fact, normal dental X-rays are safer
than allowing existing problems in the mouth, such as cavities or
impacted teeth, to persist. Children typically need more X-rays
than adults because of the growth and changes occurring in their
mouths. Despite their low risk, parents should monitor how often
their children have X-rays taken.
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