Typically, you will lie down while the image is taken. Standard computed tomography (CT) usually must be done in a radiologist's office or a hospital. The cone-beam CT is particularly useful for dental implant selection and placement, when traditional X-rays do not produce the necessary diagnostic information. A cone-beam scan uses less radiation than a medical CT scan but far more than any standard dental X-ray. The beam is cone-shaped, instead of fan-shaped as in a standard medical CT. You stand or sit while the machine rotates around your head. Orthodontists use them to make an accurate diagnosis and develop a treatment plan.Ĭone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) provides three-dimensional images. They are used to look at the teeth in relation to the jaw and the person's profile. The patient must be able to sit or stand still for that whole time.Ĭephalometric projections show the entire head from the side. This X-ray has to be exposed for 12 to 18 seconds. This is helpful for children who gag easily or who have small mouths. Panoramic X-rays, unlike other types, do not require a film to be put in the child's mouth. Panoramic X-rays may be used for a child in case of an injury to the face or orthodontic problems. It often uses less radiation than intraoral X-rays. All this may look and feel intimidating, but the process is very safe. Devices attached to the X-ray machine hold your head and jaw in place. That way, the full, broad view of the jaws is captured on one film. The tube head that emits the X-rays circles behind your head while the film circles across the front. This type of X-ray requires a special machine. They include all teeth on both upper and lower jaws. Panoramic X-rays show the entire mouth on a single X-ray. For this reason, they are usually not used for detecting cavities or flaws in individual teeth. Examine the relationships between teeth and jawsĮxtraoral X-rays are less detailed than intraoral X-rays. They show teeth, but they also provide information on the jaw and skull. These can be considered the "big picture" X-rays. EXTRAORAL RADIOGRAPHSĮxtraoral X-rays are made with the film outside the mouth. Each X-ray shows nearly the full arch of teeth in either the upper or lower jaw. They highlight tooth development and placement in children. Occlusal X-rays are larger than most X-rays. This includes both bitewing and periapical radiographs of every tooth, from crown to root to supporting structures. It also is used to look for abscesses and gum disease.ĭepending on your oral health and dental history your dentist may recommend a full-mouth radiographic survey, or FMS. This type of X-ray lets the dentist see a child's permanent teeth growing below the baby teeth. However, it shows the entire length of each tooth, from crown to root. A periapical X-ray looks similar to a bite-wing X-ray. Periapical X-rayshighlight only one or two teeth at a time. Sometimes this doesn't happen until they get their first permanent molars (also called the 6-year molars). Children don't need bite-wing X-rays until the teeth in the back of the mouth are touching each other. These X-rays help dentists find decay between back teeth. These X-rays are called "bite-wings" because you bite down on a wing-shaped device that holds the film in place while the X-ray is taken. Each X-ray shows the upper and lower molars (back teeth) and bicuspids (teeth in front of the molars). Dentists take one or two bite-wing X-rays on each side of the mouth. The various types of intraoral X-rays show different aspects of the teeth:īite-wing X-rayshighlight the crowns of the back teeth. Check the health of the bony area around the tooth.Intraoral X-rays are the most common type. With extraoral X-rays, the film is outside the mouth. With intraoral X-rays, the X-ray film is inside the mouth. X-rays (radiographs) are divided into two main categories, intraoral and extraoral.
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