X-RAYS

What are dental X-rays?

Dental X-rays (radiographs) are internal images of your teeth and jaws. Dentists use X-rays to examine structures they can’t see during a routine checkup, like your jawbone, nerves, sinuses and teeth roots.

Dental X-rays show:

• Cavities, especially small areas of decay between teeth.
• Decay beneath existing fillings.
• Bone loss in your jaw.
• Areas of infection.
• The position of unerupted or impacted teeth.
• Abscessed teeth (infection at the root of your tooth or between your gums and your tooth).
• Cysts and some types of tumors.

Dentists also use X-rays to help determine your eligibility for treatments like dental implants, braces or dentures. X-rays help your dentist check healing after certain procedures, too, such as dental bone graft and root canal therapy.

2 Types of x-rays available in our clinic:

1. Panoramic X-rays or Orthopantomogram (OPG)
   1. A cephalometric X-ray shows your entire head from the side. It shows your dentist the location of your teeth in relation to your jaw.
   2. Orthodontists (dentists who specialize in correcting bites) often use cephalometric X-rays to plan treatment.
2. Cone Beam Computed Toography (CBCT) scan
   1. Dentists use computed tomography (CT) scans to capture 3D dental X-rays of your teeth, jaws, joints, nerves and sinuses. These X-rays can also detect tumors or facial fractures.
   2. Surgeons often use dental CT scans to check the height, width and location of your jawbone before dental implant placement