Dental Radiography
Radiographs (dental X-rays) are images of your teeth that your dentist uses to assess your oral health. Low-level radiation X-rays are used to acquire images of the interior of your gums and teeth. This can assist your dentist in detecting issues such as cavities, rotting, and impacted teeth.
Although dental X-rays appear to be complicated, they are actually relatively common equipment that is just as vital as teeth cleanings. While dental X-rays do expose children and adults to radiation, the quantities are so minimal that they’re relatively harmless. The hazards of radiation exposure are much lower if your dentist utilizes digital X-rays rather than processing them on film.
Dentists use dental X-rays to see disorders of the teeth and surrounding tissue that aren’t visible during a routine oral examination. They also assist the dentist in detecting and treating tooth issues early on, potentially saving you money, undue agony, and possibly your life.
OPG (Orthopantomagram)
A panoramic scanning dental X-ray of the upper and lower jaw is called an OPG (Orthopantomagram). It’s also known as Orthopantomagraph or Panorex, which is a brand name. It depicts a two-dimensional flattened image of a half-circle from ear to ear. Panoramic x-rays combine images from numerous angles to create a composite panoramic image that includes the maxilla (upper jaw) and mandible (lower jaw). Outside of the viewable region, the structures are blurred. Your dentist will most likely take an OPG at some point throughout your dental treatment.
CBCT (Core-Beam Computed Tomography)
Traditional computed tomography (CT) systems are modified with cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Dental experts employ CBCT devices that circle around the patient and capture data with a cone-shaped X-ray beam. These data are utilized to create a three-dimensional (3D) image of the dental (teeth), oral and maxillofacial area (mouth, jaw, and neck), and ears, nose, and throat parts of the patient’s anatomy (ENT).
Since the early 2000s, radiologists and dental professionals have increasingly used dental CBCT systems for a variety of clinical applications, including dental implant planning, visualisation of abnormal teeth, evaluation of the jaws and face, cleft palate assessment, diagnosis of dental caries (cavities), endodontic (root canal) diagnosis, and diagnosis of dental trauma.
