Dental x-rays come in three types: bitewing, periapical, and panoramic. Bitewing and periapical are intraoral, while panoramic is extraoral. A full set of dental x-rays may be ordered for a general checkup. Digital x-rays are also available.
There are three main types of dental x-ray film used for most procedures: bitewing, periapical, and panoramic. Each type is used to view the teeth from a specific angle to look for things like tooth decay, root problems, and tartar buildup below the gumline. These dental radiographs fall into two categories. Bitewing and periapical films are called intraoral radiographs because the film enters the patient’s mouth. Panoramic x-rays and some other imaging techniques used to look at the jaw and head more than the teeth are called extraoral, because the film stays on the outside of the cheek and jaw.
When a patient needs general checkup x-rays to help find cavities and other joint problems, a full set of dental x-rays may be ordered. This is usually called a full mouth or FMX series. A series of bitewing and periapical films will be taken to show the teeth from different angles. This can give the dentist an almost 3D picture of the teeth and roots.
Biting dental x-ray film is placed in the mouth with the patient biting to hold the film in place. Two or four x-rays of the back teeth are usually taken, although some dentists may use front bitewings as well. These provide an image of the upper and lower teeth and root systems. Periapical dental x-ray film is used to show teeth on either the upper or lower jaw rather than both. Although the image may be slightly distorted, this type of film shows the entire tooth from root tip to crown for closer analysis and comparison to bitewing images.
Dental panoramic X-ray film is used to capture an image of the entire dentition, sinus area, and jaw. Special equipment is required to take these x-rays. This type of dental x-ray can help reveal problems with the jaw joints, bone spurs, and a variety of dental problems that may not be apparent on other x-rays. All of these features, including images of teeth that have not yet erupted, show up in one image.
Dental x-rays are typically done by a dental technician who stands outside the room while they capture the images. There are some newer types of digital x-rays available today, although all dentists may not yet have digital imaging equipment. Some digital radiographs show the basic tooth structure like normal dental x-ray film. Other x-rays that are used less frequently are typically designed to provide images of the entire side of the head, salivary glands, or major facial bones.
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