What are dental x-rays?
Dental X-rays, including OPG, Cephalometry and Cone Beam CT (CBCT), are essential tools used by dentists to diagnose and treat a range of oral health issues. These X-rays give a detailed view of the teeth, gums, and surrounding bone, helping dentists spot problems that aren’t visible during regular checkups.
Why Do Dentists Recommend Dental X-Rays?
Dental X-rays allow dentists to look beneath the surface of your teeth and gums. They help identify hidden cavities, check for bone loss caused by gum disease, and detect infections in the roots of your teeth. X-rays also show how wisdom teeth are developing and help dentists plan for treatments like implants, root canals, and braces. For children, X-rays monitor tooth development and ensure teeth are growing properly.
Types of Dental X-Rays: OPG, CBCT, and More
Different dental X-rays are used depending on the situation:
- Bitewing X-rays focus on the back teeth and help detect decay between teeth that can’t be seen during a visual exam.
- Periapical X-rays show the entire tooth from the crown to the root, as well as the surrounding bone, which helps spot infections and cysts around the roots.
- OPG (Orthopantomogram) gives a panoramic view of the whole mouth, including teeth, jaws, and sinuses. Dentists use OPGs to assess wisdom teeth, jaw problems, and to plan orthodontic treatments like braces.
- Cephalometric X-rays (Cephalometry): Cephalometry is a specialized type of X-ray often used in orthodontics to assess the alignment and growth of the teeth and jaw. This side-view X-ray of the head shows the relationship between the teeth, jawbone, and facial profile, helping orthodontists plan treatments like braces or other corrective procedures.
- Cone Beam CT (CBCT) creates 3D images of the teeth, jaw, and surrounding structures. It’s used for more complex treatments like placing dental implants or diagnosing issues with the jawbone. CBCT gives more detail than standard X-rays.
Benefits of Dental X-Rays
Dental X-rays are key to early detection and treatment of oral health problems. They help dentists spot issues like cavities, gum disease, and infections before they become serious. This means treatment can start earlier, often avoiding more invasive procedures later.
X-rays also help dentists plan treatments. For example, CBCT scans provide detailed 3D images, which are essential for precisely placing dental implants or evaluating bone for surgery. OPG X-rays, with their full-mouth view, are helpful in assessing the alignment of teeth and diagnosing jaw issues.
Dental X-rays aren’t just used for diagnosis—they also help monitor ongoing treatment. For example, they’re used to track the progress of braces or to check how well a root canal is healing.
Are Dental X-Rays Safe?
Although dental X-rays, including OPG, Cephalometry and CBCT, use radiation, the levels are low and considered safe for most people. Advances in technology, like digital X-rays, use even less radiation than traditional methods. At Melbourne Dental X-Ray, we take precautions to ensure you receive as little dose as possible for the given examination.
X-rays are only recommended when necessary. Your dentist will weigh the need for an X-ray based on your specific dental health needs. For most people, the benefits of diagnosing problems early far outweigh the small risk from radiation.
However, in certain cases, like during pregnancy, dentists may delay or avoid X-rays unless they’re absolutely necessary.
Cone Beam CT: The New Standard in Dental Care
In recent years, Cone Beam CT (CBCT) has become the gold standard in advanced dental procedures due to its ability to produce highly detailed 3D images of the teeth, jaw, and surrounding structures. Unlike traditional X-rays, which provide two-dimensional images, CBCT offers a comprehensive view that allows dentists and specialists to see every angle of the bone and tissue. This technology has transformed how dentists approach complex treatments, improving accuracy and patient outcomes in several key areas.
Dental Implants
For dental implant placement, precision is critical. CBCT scans allow dentists to assess the exact dimensions of the bone where the implant will be placed, ensuring there’s enough bone to support the implant. The 3D images from CBCT also help in determining the best angle and depth for implant placement, which reduces complications and enhances the long-term success of the implant. This level of detail cannot be achieved with standard 2D X-rays, making CBCT the standard tool for implant planning and placement.
Inferior Dental Nerve Localisation
When planning treatments like dental implants, wisdom tooth extraction, or certain jaw surgeries, identifying the position of the inferior dental nerve is crucial to avoid damaging it. Damage to this nerve can result in numbness or pain in the lower jaw, lips, and chin. CBCT’s 3D imaging provides an exact map of the nerve’s location, allowing dentists to avoid complications during surgical procedures.
Localising Impacted Teeth
For patients with impacted teeth, such as wisdom teeth or canines that haven’t properly erupted, CBCT scans are invaluable. The 3D images offer a clear view of how the impacted tooth is positioned relative to nearby teeth, bone, and nerves. This helps in planning the safest and most effective extraction or other corrective procedures. The precise localisation also reduces the risk of damage to adjacent teeth and tissues.
Endodontics (Root Canal Treatment)
In endodontics, or root canal treatments, CBCT is becoming increasingly essential. The 3D images allow endodontists to clearly see the root canals and surrounding bone, which helps in diagnosing complex root canal problems. CBCT is particularly useful in detecting small fractures, infections, or abnormalities that might be missed on a regular X-ray. This leads to more effective treatment and better outcomes for patients.
Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorders
For patients suffering from TMJ disorders, which affect the jaw joint and cause pain or dysfunction, CBCT provides a detailed view of the joint, including the bones, soft tissue, and surrounding structures. This allows dentists and specialists to accurately diagnose issues like arthritis, misalignment, or joint damage. With CBCT, treatment plans can be better tailored to each patient’s specific condition, improving the chances of a successful outcome.