Use of X-rays in the treatment of teeth

X-ray imaging is a very often used element of diagnostics in various fields of medicine. It is no different in the case of dentistry, in which it becomes indispensable in the case of precise imaging of all elements of the mandible, jaw and surrounding tissues.

Tooth X-ray allows for the assessment and determination of developing tooth decay, the presence or absence of tooth compounds, retained teeth, or other pathological changes in the area of the oral cavity. It is also often recommended when various facial injuries occur to check whether more serious damage has occurred.

The types of X-rays used in the treatment of teeth can be divided into two types:

1. pantomographic – allowing to obtain an image of the entire dentition: its setting, the condition of individual teeth, as well as their rooting. It is an extremely helpful tool in the dentist’s work, especially at the stage of planning further treatment of the patient.
2. cephalogram – it is necessary in effective orthodontic treatment, especially at the stage preceding braces application. Thanks to it, the analysis of malocclusion becomes much more straightforward. It gives an image not only of teeth, but also of surrounding tissues.
3. spot – the most detailed; gives an image of up to four teeth. Its use is most often commissioned in the case of root canal treatment planning, the occurrence of inflammation, or assessment of the current condition of the implants.

X-ray examination usually takes about a few minutes and, thanks to the reduced radiation dose, makes CT scan a safe and minimally invasive examination.