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One visit to the dentist can solve many dental problems. However, the dentist is not always able to accurately assess the condition of the tooth only by seeing it from the outside. Sometimes it is necessary to perform an x-ray of the tooth. What does such a diagnostic test look like? When is it worth doing and what else is worth knowing about it? Here are the most important information that will help you properly prepare for the dental x-ray.
When should a tooth X-ray be performed?
At the beginning, it is worth saying that a tooth X-ray can only be performed if the patient has the appropriate dentist’s order. Most often, the dentist orders this type of examination when he is unable to make an appropriate diagnosis, only by viewing the tooth with the naked eye. A tooth x-ray is always performed before starting root canal treatment to determine exactly what the condition of the tooth is and whether root canal treatment makes sense in a given case.
What are the indications for a tooth x-ray?
There are many different indications for having a tooth x-ray. One of them is caries detection. In children, this type of examination is carried out, inter alia, to assess whether all permanent tooth buds are present. Patients who are about to be extracted or chiseled are also often asked to take an X-ray. This is to determine how difficult the procedure will be, and therefore to properly prepare both the specialist and the patient for it. Very often, an X-ray is also taken to make a suitable dentures or insert an implant.
How is a tooth X-ray performed?
X-ray examination is performed under the influence of radiation, therefore, before it occurs, the patient must be properly prepared to minimize the negative effects of radiation. For this purpose, the test person puts on a special lead rubber apron. If it is advisable to take an intraoral X-ray, place the camera’s film in the mouth of the patient, who is most often asked to support the film.
What are the types of tooth x-rays?
Various types of tooth X-ray are known, which are used, among others, depending on the purpose for which the examination is performed. One of the most frequently recommended examinations of this type is pantomographic. During such an examination, the patient sits and the machine that takes the picture rotates around the subject’s head, simultaneously imaging the jaw, mandible, maxillary sinuses, as well as the temporomandibular joints. Most often, this type of X-ray of a tooth is performed to detect caries, malformations, redundant teeth, as well as various types of abnormalities. It is also a necessary examination when the doctor suspects cancer.
Another type of tooth x-ray is a spot image. This type of photo usually covers no more than four teeth and is mainly used when the dentist wants to prepare for root canal treatment. Such an X-ray gives a much more accurate result, which makes it easy for a dentist to assess the inflammation in the tooth or plan an implant placement.
Another type is the cephalogram, which is primarily used to put on an orthodontic appliance. A malocclusion is clearly visible in this type of photo, as it shows not only the teeth themselves, but also the surrounding tissues and palate.
How to read the X-ray examination of the tooth?
Once we have made and collected an X-ray of the tooth, it is necessary to go to a specialist to read it correctly. These types of photos usually show carious lesions in the form of white spots. If there is a very advanced inflammation in the dentition, it may also be visible in the pictures. If we perform an X-ray examination in a public facility, we usually cannot count on any additional analysis other than the picture itself. However, some private facilities guarantee that in addition to the photo, the patient will also receive a detailed description based on the image. However, you usually have to pay more for this type of service.
What are the contraindications for a tooth x-ray?
It is also worth mentioning that it is not always possible to take an X-ray of the tooth. One of the most important contraindications is pregnancy. Radiation can harm the development of the fetus. Many doctors also do not recommend this type of test when a woman is going through her period. A tooth x-ray is also not performed in young children, i.e. those under the age of 5.