Dental Radiographs: Intraoral And Extraoral X-Rays
Also known as radiographs, X-rays are integral components
any dental care procedure. In most cases, X-rays are diagnostic, but can also
be used as preventatives, helping dentists identify potential dental issues
well before they become a major complication. Essentially, an X-ray is an
energy form that moves through soft tissues and is absorbed by the dense ones.
Dental X-rays are images of bones, teeth and soft tissues
surrounding them and help diagnose cavities, bone loss and complications in
dental structure, which are often left undiagnosed during visual examinations.
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Dental X-rays are divided into two distinct categories,
which are intraoral X-rays, taken inside the mouth, and extraoral X-rays,
outside of the mouth. With higher details and sophistication, the former is the
more commonly used procedure.
Intraoral X-rays
In dentistry, intraoral radiographs are the most common
types of X-rays and provide the dentists with a higher level of teeth and bone
detail. They help the dentists:
- In finding cavities
- Look at the tooth roots
- Identify the occurrence of periodontal diseases
- Inspect bone health
- Check the status of developing teeth
The following are the different types of intraoral X-rays
that help dentists examine different aspects of oral health:
1. Periapical X-ray: This is used to
highlight the entire length of a tooth from the end of its root to the exposed
crown and the bones that support the tooth. At most, it can only cover 2 teeth
at a time. Such radiographs are used to diagnose dental flaws in the jaws and
below the gum line like bone changes, cysts, and impacted teeth.
2. Bitewing X-ray: It's used to show the
crown of the lower back of the teeth in a single view. It highlights the
bicuspids and upper and lower molars and helps diagnose tooth decay, upper and
lower teeth line-up and bone loss in cases of severe infections and gum
complications.
3. Occlusal X-rays: Larger than most
X-rays, Occlusal X-rays are used to scan the roof and the floor of the mouth to
highlight tooth development, extra teeth, cleft palates, jaw fractures, etc.
Extraoral X-rays
These are used to detect dental issues in the jaw and skull.
Since they are less detailed than their oral counterparts, they cannot be used
to detect flaws and cavities in individual teeth. The following is the most
common type of extraoral radiograph:
Panoramic X-ray: Panoramic radiographs depict a broad view
of teeth, jaws, nasal area, sinuses and temporomandibular joints and involve
less radiation than intraoral X-rays. These are used to detect problems like
bone abnormalities, infections, tumors, impacted teeth, etc.
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Article Source: EzineArticles
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