Dental X-rays

Intraoral X-rays are the most commonly used. They provide detailed images that help assess the growth of developing teeth, the health of tooth roots, and the condition of the surrounding bone and jaw. They are also valuable for detecting cavities.

Extraoral X-rays, while they also display the teeth, focus primarily on the jaw and skull. These images are particularly helpful for diagnosing issues such as malocclusions, impacted teeth, and temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD).

Types of Intraoral X-Rays

There are three main types of intraoral X-rays. Each type allows the dentist to view different aspects of the teeth and surrounding structures.

Bite-Wing X-Rays

Named for the way patients bite down on the film, bite-wing X-rays show both the upper and lower teeth in one section of the mouth. They are used to detect decay between teeth, monitor changes in bone density caused by gum disease, and assess the fit of crowns and fillings.

Periapical X-Rays

Periapical X-rays focus on a smaller area, capturing each entire tooth from crown to root. These X-rays reveal any abnormalities in the root structure or surrounding jaw bone.

Occlusal X-Rays

Occlusal X-rays are larger than most and typically used in children to monitor tooth development and position. They show the full arch of the upper or lower jaw, helping dentists identify potential bite issues.

Types of Extraoral X-Rays

Extraoral X-rays come in several varieties, each designed to serve a specific diagnostic purpose.

Panoramic X-Rays

Panoramic X-rays capture the entire mouth in a single image, including all upper and lower teeth. They are helpful for identifying impacted teeth, assessing tooth development, and diagnosing cysts or tumors.

Tomograms

Tomograms focus on a specific layer or section of the mouth by blurring out structures in other planes. This allows the dentist to clearly see a targeted area that might otherwise be hidden.

Cephalometric Projections

These X-rays provide a side view of the head, showing the teeth in relation to the jaw. They are often used by orthodontists to plan treatments for misalignment or malocclusion.

Sialography

Sialography is a specialized X-ray technique used to visualize the salivary glands. A contrast dye is injected into the glands, allowing the dentist to detect blockages or diagnose conditions such as Sjögren’s syndrome.

Computed Tomography (CT Scans)

Computed tomography provides three-dimensional images of the internal structures of the face and jaw. CT scans are used to evaluate fractures, tumors, or bone abnormalities, and to precisely plan dental implant placement or complex extractions.