To decide the fate of the tooth and the right direction of treatment, an X-ray helps. Today, this type of diagnostics in dentistry and other areas of medicine is indispensable.
It is unlikely that you have thought about it, but X-rays are one of the most significant inventions of humanity. Because it is X-rays that allow us to analyze the state of the human body without interfering with its integrity – without surgery, autopsy, painful palpation, etc. And besides, X-rays are safe, no matter what skeptics and supporters of the prohibition of 5G towers say.
Until now, dental radiography has been used as an additional method when external examination did not provide enough information. But today, most dental treatment plans are already accompanied by X-rays of various types as one of the main types of diagnostics.
Radiography, or simply an X-ray of teeth, is a research method that uses X-rays to project an image onto film, paper, or digital media. X-ray helps the dentist identify hidden oral problems – caries, gum disease, abscesses, tumors, cysts- and find their source, so it is prescribed in most cases.
Diseases that are effectively shown by X-ray:
Also, X-rays must be done before implants, braces, and osteoplasty are installed.
Depending on the disease, various types of X-ray examination are used:
In most cases, Starrett City Dental favors the first option, spot X-ray, the fastest, easiest, and safest technique that results in a 2D image. This image is sufficient for most dental procedures.
The final image can be displayed on film or electronic media – it depends on what equipment is used in the clinic. In modern dentistry, X-rays are often used with the image output to an electronic medium. This approach allows the patient not to move around the clinic. The picture is taken right in the dental chair, and the doctor can quickly identify dental problems and check the quality of treatment after the procedures.
A targeted X-ray of a tooth is fast – the procedure lasts three minutes. The patient is put on an apron that protects the chest and internal organs from radiation exposure. The assistant fixes the patient’s head to get a clear, blur-free image. The doctor takes a picture.
It is okay if the doctor takes several images at once: a targeted X-ray image is only sometimes obtained the first time, and, for example, in root canal treatment, at least three photos must be taken.
During the diagnosis, using this image, the doctor evaluates the condition of the roots of the tooth, their number, and their shape and chooses the appropriate treatment plan.
During treatment, a picture is taken with dental instruments inserted into the channels and displayed on a computer monitor to monitor the treatment in real-time.
With the help of a control image, the doctor evaluates the quality of canal filling after the treatment procedure. And even three shots at a time are harmless to the body.
The permissible radiation dose in dentistry in an aiming image is from 3 to 5 mSv (“microsievert”, a unit of measurement of ionizing radiation). An amount of 1000 mSv per year is considered safe for an adult. With the help of a radiovisiograph, up to 400 images per year can be taken.
The impact of X-ray on the patient is so harmless that it can be done both in children and during pregnancy, if necessary. Moreover, in dentistry, X-rays affect only the jaw. The chest and internal organs are covered with a special apron. As a result, modern X-rays have more advantages than disadvantages.
It allows you to get high-quality images of oral tissues and teeth, electronic images are easy to store, and the doctor can always zoom in to view the damaged area; the procedure is practically harmless to the patient if you do not exceed the allowable number of images per year.
Our Dental Office is conveniently located in East New York Brooklyn. Find us on the 2th floor of the building. Plenty of free parking is available.
