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Monday, February 16, 2015

The Many Uses of Dental X-rays

Dental x-rays are being used by dentists to detect diseases and conditions of the teeth and surrounding tissues that may not be apparent on a simple oral exam. They are also helpful in treating any potential problems early on before they develop into something worse. The frequency of x-rays will depend on the patient’s medical condition, as well as his or her medical or dental history.

The following are some of the things dental X-rays can reveal:
  • Areas of decay, especially small ones between teeth
  • Bone loss
  • Developmental abnormalities
  • Teeth condition, in preparation for procedures like braces, tooth implants, and dentures
  • The condition, position, and size of incoming teeth in children
There are two main types of dental X-rays: intraoral and extraoral. In intraoral X-rays, the film is placed inside the mouth, while in extraoral procedures, the film is outside the mouth. The more commonly used type is intraoral, which allows dentists to check the health of the roots of teeth, as well as the bone surrounding them. It also helps in studying the development and general health of teeth, and in finding caries. On the other hand, extraoral X-rays put more focus on the jaw and skull. It is used to identify impacted teeth, check for any effects of teeth on the growth and development of the jaw, and identify any potential temporomandibular joint, or TMJ, problems.






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