A dental x-ray, also known as a dental radiograph, is an image of the mouth’s interior taken to show the state of your teeth and gums. The dentist then uses the images to check for problems and issues in your teeth and gums that would otherwise remain unseen. Dental x-rays are part of a >dental examination and should be viewed as a necessary tool for better oral health.
Dental x-rays are not everybody’s cup of tea, but dentists worldwide highly recommend them. You may not like them, but they are essential. According to dental experts at >the Royal Smiles Dental Clinic in Kenya, Some diseases and problems of the mouth, teeth, and gums are better treated when diagnosed and discovered early. Other conditions like gingivitis are irreversible when detected at the late stages. Dentists opine that dental radiographs are necessary for the early diagnosis and treatment of gingivitis.
Dental X-Rays in Kenya
Dental X-Ray services are offered in all the branches of the Royal Smiles Dental Clinic in Nairobi, Kiambu, Machakos and Nakuru counties. To learn the locations of our clinics and their phone numbers and email addresses visit our branches page by clicking HERE. You can also book an appointment in any of our branches for a dental x-ray by clicking HERE and entering your details in the appointment form.
In this article, we shall discuss more on all you need to know about dental x-rays, their importance, and the benefits associated with such kinds of x-rays. For more information about dental x-rays, read the article to learn about this crucial oral health exercise.
Types of Dental X-Rays
The following are the main types of dental x-rays which are the most common among dentists, depending on what they want to see:
1. Bitewing dental x-rays
Bitewing x-rays are the most common among all dental x-rays. They are used to observe the exposed part of the tooth and half of the tooth root. These x-rays are for specific parts of the mouth, and the dentist can take several of them depending on what needs to be seen. These x-rays are used to detect tooth decay and changes in the jaw bone, especially those caused by gum disease.
For adults, dentists have four sets of bitewing x-rays, two for each side. That is important to have a better look at all the teeth, including the molars and the premolars. For children, one bitewing image per side will be enough.
To take a bitewing image, the dentist will ask you to bite on a plastic that will hold the x-ray against the upper and lower teeth.
2. Periapical dental x-rays
A periapical dental x-ray captures the whole tooth or teeth. It is used to capture the crown, the biting part, and the root, which is the area below the gum. These x-rays are used to detect any problems and issues in the tooth’s root and the surrounding bones that a naked eye would not see. They are the kind of x-rays that dentists use to discover and treat tooth abscesses. Periapical dental radiographs will detect gum and other diseases that cannot be seen naturally. They are essential for the early detection and treatment of such diseases and conditions that need attention as soon as they begin developing.
3. Full mouth dental x-ray
A full mouth dental x-ray is usually taken for new patients in a dental clinic. It is typically a combination of bitewing and periapical x-rays. Dentists use this x-ray as a baseline for future oral health treatments and consultations. These x-rays can also be taken if the dentist suspects a tumour or a cyst in the mouth. Root canals, tooth extractions, and gum disease treatment will also need a full mouth x-ray. Dentists will not usually take this kind of x-ray unless there is a specific reason or a specific suspicion. These x-rays are generally kept in a patient’s file until they are updated two to three years later.
4 Panoramic dental x-rays
A panoramic x-ray is used to capture the whole mouth in a single image. Unlike other x-rays that deal with a specific area or teeth, a panoramic x-ray depicts the upper and lower jaws, all the teeth, joints, and nasal area. The main difference between this x-ray and the others previously discussed is that it comes in a single image while the others come in multiple images. The other difference between this x-ray and others is that it is extraoral, meaning that the imaging machine is placed outside the mouth instead of inside, which is how the other x-rays are conducted.
A panoramic x-ray is mainly used to detect bone abnormalities, bone fractures, cysts, impacted teeth, infections, and tumours. According to the experts at >the Royal Smiles Clinic in Kenya, a panoramic x-ray can be used to plan for orthodontics, implants, and dentures.
5. Occlusal dental radiographs
Occlusal x-rays are used to monitor the development of each tooth or a section of teeth in the upper or lower jaw bone. Dentists also use this x-ray to find teeth that have not yet broken through. These x-rays are typically used in children who have actively developing dental structures. To keep your child’s teeth on the proper development course, it is vital to have this x-ray regularly.
Benefits of Dental X-Rays
According to the American Dental Association (ADA), dental radiographs are essential for adults and children.
In adults, they will show:
- Teeth decay, especially those tiny areas between teeth that are hard to see by physical examination.
- Tooth decay hidden by fillings. Fillings can hide decay which will not be noticed until it is too late.
- Bone loss in the jaw, which will lead to the loosening of teeth.
- Changes in the bone structure of the jaw caused by infections.
- Condition and position of teeth to help the dentist prepare you for orthodontics, implants, dentures, and other teeth procedures.
- Teeth abscesses, especially those at the root of the teeth. A tooth abscess, if not properly taken care of, will lead to tooth extraction.
- Cysts and tumours, especially those that cannot be seen by the naked eye. Remember that early detection leads to early treatment.
In children, dental radiographs will show:
- Decay, and if it is developing.
- If the mouth has enough space to fit all the incoming teeth.
- Bone loss in the jaw that will lead to poor teeth development.
- The development of the wisdom teeth and those which are impacted.
- The general development of the merged teeth.
Factors that Affect Dental X-Rays
The following factors affect how often to get dental x-rays:
1. Age
An individual’s age will determine how often they should have a dental x-ray. Children should have more x-rays than adults since their teeth and jaws are still developing, and they are more vulnerable to diseases and cavities. Children should have up to two dental x-rays per year compared to adults who need a single x-ray every two to three years.
2. Current oral health
People who adhere to strict oral health practices do not need frequent x-rays. The dentist can tell your dental care practices by looking at the current state of your teeth and gums. The dentist will ask those who show poor oral hygiene to have more x-rays per year to check for issues, problems, and infections.
3. Symptoms of oral disease or infection
If a dentist suspects an oral disease or condition, you may be asked to undergo a dental radiograph for the dentist to approve or disapprove of the suspicions. That is why it is crucial to explain everything about the current state of your teeth and mouth to the dentist as clearly as possible. Remember that some diseases and infections are not reversible once diagnosed at later stages.
4. Dental history
Your dental history may also determine if the dentist will recommend an x-ray or not. Those with a history of gum diseases or tooth decay are vulnerable to subsequent attacks, and so the dentist may recommend more frequent x-rays. According to dentists at >the Royal Smiles Dental Clinic in Kenya, tooth decay and gingivitis can be reversed depending on the time of diagnosis. A root canal and tooth extraction result from tooth decay which was noticed in the late stages of development.
5. High-risk groups
Dentists have classified some people as high-risk groups depending on their habits and lifestyle. These people are more vulnerable to conducting dental infections and diseases. Those who take high sugar drinks/foods, smokers, and those who have had dental procedures like fillings are at an increased risk of acquiring dental diseases and conditions. Whenever these people visit a dentist, they may be required to have an x-ray so that the dentist rules out any new infections.
FAQs About Dental X-Rays (Radiographs)
What is the use of a dental x-ray?
Some people ask what is the need for a dental x-ray. A dental x-ray will help the dentist properly diagnose diseases and infections in your teeth and gums before they develop or spread. In adults, an x-ray will show tiny decay between teeth and continued decay beneath fillings.
How often is a dental x-ray necessary?
Some ask how often a dental x-ray is required. For those with no problem prior problems or existing cavities and gum diseases, the ADA recommends having a dental x-ray every two to three years. For those with previous problems or infections and those categorized as high-risk individuals, it is recommended to have a dental x-ray twice a year or as often as the dentist asks.
Do dental x-rays require any prior preparation?
Some ask if there are any special preparations required for a dental x-ray. The answer is NO. These x-rays do not require any special preparation, but the patient should brush their teeth so that the dentist may have ample time while doing the ask.
Are dental x-rays safe?
Still, some ask if dental x-rays are safe. The answer is YES. Although these x-rays are carried out using radiation, the radiation levels are very low, and the effects are almost negligible. But some are still vulnerable to these low levels of radiation. Those who have been identified to be at risk are pregnant women. Although other groups of people are not at any risk, you should talk to your dentist if you feel uncomfortable with the process.
What happens after a dental x-ray?
Some wonder what happens after a successful dental x-ray. The dentist will look a the results and then discuss them with the patient. In case there are any problems or signs of infection, the dentist will recommend the best course of treatment. If the results show healthy teeth, gums, and mouth, the dentist will encourage you to maintain those hygiene standards.
Final Thoughts
A dental x-ray is used to have a thorough look at your mouth, especially the teeth and gums. Some diseases and infections are not easily diagnosed while in their development stage; that’s why an x-ray becomes necessary. Root canal and abscesses are easily reversed if they can be diagnosed during their inception stage. A healthy adult should have a dental x-ray every two to three years, while a child below the age of 16 should have a dental x-ray at least twice a year.
This article has dealt with the importance of a dental radiograph and the various types available. For the best dental services in Kenya, book an appointment at >the Royal Smiles Dental Clinic and better understand the state of your oral health. Hopefully, the article will give you a general overview of what to expect while going for a dental radiograph.