X-RAYS ARE A DIAGNOSTIC TOOL THAT HELP DENTISTS CARE FOR THEIR PATIENTS. DENTISTS USE X-RAYS FOR A NUMBER OF REASONS, INCLUDING DIAGNOSING CAVITIES AND HIDDEN TOOTH STRUCTURES, BROKEN TEETH AND ROOT FRACTURES, BONE LOSS, AND CANCEROUS OR NON-CANCEROUS GROWTHS.
TYPES OF X-RAYS
Periapical (PA)
Periapical images are used to look at the area around the tooth’s root and the bone around it.
Bitewings (BWX)
Routine bitewing x-rays are often used to look for cavities between teeth and cavities that keep coming back under fillings. The name “bitewing” refers to a small piece of paper or plastic in the middle of the x-ray film that can be bit on to make the film rise and get a good picture of both the upper and lower jaw.
Panoramic (Pano)
A panoramic x-ray is a two-dimensional image of the entire mouth, including the upper and lower jaws, all of the teeth, and surrounding facial structures.
Cone Beam CT
Commonly known as CBCT, these images are taken using a cone-shaped x-ray beam and can be used to help diagnose and prescribe treatment. The cone beam CT is typically used for assessing more complex structures such as developing dentition, dental trauma, impacted teeth, where the inferior nerves are in relationship to the teeth, pathological lesions, and the planning of dental implant placement just to name a few.
