A general dentist uses X-rays (radiographs) to diagnose disease and damage that is not visible during a dental examination. Dentists can use the images of the teeth and gums to evaluate a patient’s oral health. X-rays can help your dentist identify problems and conditions affecting various parts of your mouth. However, your dentist should talk to you about the need for X-rays so you can make informed decisions together.
There are many types of dental X-rays. One of the most common ones is the panoramic dental X-ray. This X-ray captures a single image of the entire mouth area, including all the teeth in both the lower and upper jaws, on a single X-ray. This image shows the jawbones and the surrounding facial structures. Read on to learn more about panoramic dental X-rays.
A panoramic X-ray provides a comprehensive view of the entire mouth area on a single X-ray. It takes a short amount of time to be done. This particular X-ray can help dentists in several ways. A dentist can take a panoramic X-ray to diagnose and assess various parts of the mouth.
It can show bone abnormalities and fractures, infections and cysts. It is beneficial for detecting the position of emerging and fully emerged teeth and to identify impacted teeth. This X-ray helps to diagnose tumors. It also shows the relationship between the jaws and the teeth and the jaws to the head.
Aside from diagnosing problems, it is also useful when planning for treatments. A dentist may use this type of X-ray to plan for treatments such as implants, dentures and braces. It is also used to make recommendations for products to treat worn-out teeth because of aggressive brushing. However, since this X-ray shows the entire mouth area in one picture, it does not provide fine detail. It is not used to detect cavities or to identify problems with individual teeth.
A panoramic dental X-ray machine is extraoral. This means the film and imaging machine are outside of the mouth. The machine has two sides. One side contains a detector or film and the other side contains an X-ray tube. During the examination, the tube rotates around the head of a patient. The machine projects a beam through the mouth onto a detector or film that rotates opposite the tube.
X-ray images are often digital files and are stored electronically. The stored images can be accessed easily and are useful for disease management. Another advantage of the digital format is that it allows a general dentist to make adjustments for better visualization of particular tissues and structures. This can be achieved by changing the brightness, darkness or contrast of an image.
A panoramic dental X-ray gives your general dentist a good view of your mouth. It can help your dentist detect problems. It can also help determine a treatment option that will meet your individual needs. If you want to find out more about panoramic dental X-rays, contact your dentist.
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