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What Are X-Rays?
 X-
Rays of your teeth and facial bones are a necessary part of your dental examination. Dental x-rays allow the dentist to look
inside your teeth and under the gums at the hard bony structures. This
allows for the dentist to check not only for tooth decay; but also to check
the underlying bone structures that give a picture of the foundation that
supports your teeth. Cysts, abscesses, and periodontal disease are some of the diseases
x-rays can show.
There are two types of dental x-ray: intra oral (often
referred to as bite-wing or cavity check x-rays) and extraoral (panoramic
x-rays or cephalometric x-rays). The panoramic x-ray gives a picture of
your entire mouth and facial bones.
Example of Bitewing
Example of Panomamic
x-ray
This x-ray shows both the baby teeth and the developing permanent teeth.
Dental x-rays are very safe. They are taken at very low
radiation and at very fast speeds. This means your risk is kept to a
minimum. A lead apron will also provide additional shielding and protection
for you.
The number and types of x-rays your dentist will need will depend on many
factors including external signs of a tooth problem, your age, and your
past history of dental decay and bone structure problems.
Thru the use of x-rays many dental problems can be detected
before they can be seen by visually looking at the surface of your teeth
and gums. This early detection of problems allows the problems to be
treated before they become so serious that tooth loss may occur. It will
also save you unnecessary toothache and pain later on.
These two x-rays show an abscessed tooth on the left and the
damage an impacted wisdom tooth is causing on the right image. Neither of
these could be seen without the x-ray.
  
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