X-ray of the teeth is an important diagnostic method that is used in dental practice and without which in many cases it is impossible to carry out quality treatment. It is necessary both for the correct diagnosis and the appointment of appropriate therapeutic, surgical or orthodontic procedures, and for monitoring the success of the treatment performed.
When you need x-rays of teeth?
Ordinary external examination does not always allow us to fully establish the picture of the pathology, and with the help of the x-ray of the teeth it is possible to diagnose what is not available to the unaided eye:
- irregular bite and other abnormalities of the teeth;
- hidden carious cavities;
- the true condition of periodontal disease;
- pathological changes of tissues under crowns and seals;
- trauma of roots, invisible parts of teeth, jaw;
- presence of cysts , tumors, abscesses.
Often an x-ray of wisdom teeth is used to determine their condition and direction of growth. This procedure also allows assessing the quality of root canal filling, it is prescribed before denture prosthetics . The cyst, found on the x-ray of the tooth at an early stage, in many cases allows you to keep the tooth.
Is x-ray of teeth harmful?
Many people are afraid of this procedure because of radiation stress on the body. However, it is worthwhile to understand that the dose of irradiation with the X-ray of the tooth is only 0.15-0.35 mSv with a maximum permissible annual dose of 150 mSv. In addition, exposure to radiation is minimized by using a special protective apron, which is covered by parts of the body that are not involved in the procedure.
But an inadequate X-ray examination can cause serious damage to health, for example, if a hidden focus of infection is not found. Therefore, the X-ray of the teeth should be carried out with the available indications, and if available
3D-X-ray of teeth
A more accurate and clear picture of the problem with the teeth is provided by the modern 3D-X-ray method - a three-dimensional, or panoramic, study. In this case, the projected rays do not fall on the film, as with a conventional X-ray, but on a special sensor. Then, with the help of computer programs, the received pictures are processed, as a result of which the doctor receives a clear overview of the problem tooth or jaws as a whole.