Why we take so many x-rays.
2009-12-03 at 09:57 am adminIn order to have accurate, adequate information that enables us to treat you as effectively as possible, we take multiple x-rays. As some people are concerned about the radiation from x-rays, here are some facts for your consideration:
1. The amount of radiation you’re exposed to in our practice is the approximate equivalent of about 5 minutes’ worth of being outside in the shade on a sunny day. It is miniscule compared to a chest x-ray and is absolutely safe.
2. If you think you may be pregnant, please make sure you let us know and as an additional precaution we will not take x-rays.
There are several different types of x-rays, which we use for different purposes at different stages of diagnostics:
1. A “full mouth” set consists of 4 bitewing x-rays and 14 periapical x-rays. They show us what we can’t see with the naked eye: with these 18 different views, we can see each tooth individually and from different angles or positions, including the roots and bone in the jaws. This is how we create a correct picture of the extent of cavities or other defects. Taking just 1 or 2 x-rays, though appropriate in an emergency situation where you have pain with a single area of the mouth, may or may not pick up cavities, especially if they are small. The more x-rays we take the more information we have and the more accurate is our diagnosis. When you come in for a regular full exam, we take a full mouth set of x-rays.
2. A “panoramic” x-ray gives us a more rounded view of the teeth and their relation to the jaws. We can see major structures such as the sinuses, the nerve pathways and the location of the wisdom teeth. If you need surgery or extractions, this information is vital to the ease and success of the procedure.
3. Another type of x-ray is the cephalometric, which may be taken from the front of your head toward the back, or from the side. We use these in some orthodontic cases, if there has been trauma, or if we suspect temporomandibular disorder. These views give Dr. Gotun an idea how the patient deviates from a standard pattern of growth and how this needs to be corrected.
4. Occlusal x-rays are taken from the top of the head toward the chin or vice versa, and are very useful in revealing such problems as supernumerary teeth (too many teeth, some of which may not have erupted yet) or problems infiltrating the upper jaw and facial area.
5. One of the most important new diagnostic techniques is “cone-beam” computer tomography. It is especially useful for diagnostics in relation to TMD, orthodontics, surgeries or implant planning. This technology uses a scanner able to collect data to create a complete volumetric reconstruction of a patient’s head and jaws. This 3D model reveals incredibly precise details of bone density and the structures of the face and mouth. The use of this technology assures you as a patient that if a complex procedure is required, we have the most accurate information possible to plan our approach and achieve the best results.
Although it’s rare that we need every type of the x-rays we’ve just described, these are some of the diagnostic tools that may be used to form your unique, accurate diagnosis. In turn, that allows us to discover and address the causes of any problems you may be experiencing, not just the symptoms, which makes the treatment efficient.
Thanks for explaining all the different types of dental x-rays. People will now get a better understanding of the purpose of each type of dental x-ray.
After many years in dentistry, we realize that educating patients about what we do and how dental care really works is as important as the treatment itself. Patients that understand the implications of dental conditions and varuious treatments can make informed decisions about their care and that is exactly what we want. This extra step fills in the gap in communication between the doctor and the patient and it ensures great oral health for years to come. We make sure that we spend enough time on every patient to provide them with information and guidance about their options and that allows us to be very successful in delivering above-standard dental care many people are looking for. Take a look at many other resources on our website!
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Thank you. We try to make sure that education in dentistry reaches everyone. It is crucial to people’s health, and unfortunately there is lack of knowledge and understanding of its importance among general public. We try to provide useful and clear information to our patients and everyone else who is looking to understand what we do and why we do it. We will keep the information coming, so check back soon!