Radiography in dental surgery: An essential tool for a healthy smile
Dental x-rays are an indispensable technique in dental surgery, allowing dentists to see what is happening under the surface of your teeth and gums. This complementary examination offers valuable information to effectively diagnose and treat a variety of oral problems. Let's look at why it's important, and how it contributes to your oral health.
A dental x-ray, or dental radiological examination, is an image obtained by X-ray, which allows the visualization of the internal structures of the mouth, invisible to the naked eye. This includes teeth, roots, jaw bones, and sometimes surrounding tissue.
There are several types of dental x-rays, each with specific uses:
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the most common, they allow you to see the teeth in detail. They are used to detect cavities, check root condition, or assess dental alignment.
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they provide an overview of the entire mouth, including the jaws and sinuses. They are often used to plan procedures such as implants or wisdom teeth extraction.
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they are mainly used in orthodontics to analyze the proportions of the skull and jaw.
Dental x-rays are a crucial diagnostic tool for several reasons:
Cavities, infections, fractures, or cysts can sometimes develop under the surface of teeth and gums without causing immediate pain. X-rays can detect these problems at an early stage, before they become more serious and more expensive to treat.
Whether for orthodontic treatment, a dental implant, or gum surgery, radiography provides the dentist with an accurate view of the underlying structures, which is essential for a personalized and effective treatment plan.
After surgery or dental treatment, x-rays make it possible to verify the good healing and the success of the operation.
By providing an overview of the mouth, an x-ray can reveal anatomical abnormalities or hidden problems, such as impacted teeth, that could be a problem in the future.
A dental x-ray session is quick and painless. Here's how it generally goes:
You will be sitting in a dental chair or standing, the dentist or dental assistant positions you correctly to take the image. If it's an intraoral X-ray, you'll need to bite on a small plastic device to hold the x-ray plate in place.
To minimize exposure to X-rays, a lead apron is usually placed over your chest and abdomen, and sometimes neck protection.
The process itself only takes a few seconds. The dentist will take one or more images depending on the type of x-ray required.
Once the x-rays have been taken, they are analyzed by the dentist to identify possible problems or abnormalities. With modern digital systems, images are often available instantly.
Dental radiography uses a low dose of X-rays, much lower than other radiological examinations of the body. Technological advances, especially digital x-rays, have further reduced this exposure. Thus, the associated risks are minimal, even if X-rays are taken regularly.
However, if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant, it is important to report it to your dentist. In most cases, dental x-rays may be delayed until after pregnancy, except in cases of emergency.
The frequency of dental x-rays depends on your oral health condition and history. If you have frequent cavities, gum problems, or if you are undergoing orthodontic treatment, your dentist may recommend more frequent x-rays, every six months to a year.
For people with good oral health, an x-ray every two to three years may be sufficient. Your dentist will determine the ideal frequency based on your specific needs.
Digital x-rays offer several advantages:
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The images are instantly available and can be zoomed in for better viewing.
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Digital x-rays require less radiation than traditional methods.
Digital images can easily be shared with other specialists for additional advice, or stored for future comparisons.
Radiography in dental surgery is an essential tool to ensure optimal management of your oral health. It makes it possible to detect problems invisible to the naked eye, to anticipate the necessary treatments, and to prevent potential complications.
If your dentist recommends an x-ray, don't hesitate to ask any questions you need to understand its importance and benefits. Remember, a regular checkup with x-rays when needed is the key to keeping your smile bright and your teeth healthy for a long time!
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