X Rays

The approach

Dental x-rays are a type of image of the teeth and mouth. X-rays are a form of high energy electromagnetic radiation. The x-rays penetrate the body to form an image on film or screen. X-rays can be either digital or developed on a film.

Structures that are dense (such as silver fillings or metal restoration) will block most of the light energy from the x-ray. This makes them appear white in the image. Structures that contain air will be black, and teeth, tissue, and fluid will appear as shades of gray.

How is it performed?

The test is performed in the dentist's office. There are many types of dental x-rays. Some of them are:

• Bitewing - Shows the crown portions of the top and bottom teeth together when the person bites on a biting tab.
• Periapical - Shows 1 or 2 complete teeth from crown to root.
• Panoramic - Requires a special machine that rotates around the head. The x-ray captures all of the jaws and teeth in one shot. It is used to plan treatment for dental implants, check for impacted wisdom teeth, and detect jaw problems. A panoramic x-ray is not the best method for detecting cavities, unless the decay is very advanced and deep.

Senior Smiles Osceola is using digital technology and uses less radiation than the older forms of X-rays.

What will the X-Ray show?

Dental x-rays may be used to identify the following:

• The number, size, and position of teeth
• Partially or fully impacted teeth
• The presence and severity of tooth decay (called cavities or dental caries)
• Bone damage (such as from gum disease called periodontitis)
• Abscessed teeth
• Fractured jaw
• Problems in the way the upper and lower teeth fit together (malocclusion)
• Other abnormalities of the teeth and jaw bones