Radiography
Many diseases of the teeth and surrounding tissues cannot be seen during a routine visual examination of your mouth. Dentists use radiography systems to find and treat dental problems at an early stage; saving you time, money and unnecessary discomfort.
An x-ray examination may reveal:
- small areas of decay between the teeth or below existing restorations (fillings)
- infections in the bone
- periodontal (gum) disease in the form of reduced bone levels around the teeth
- abscesses or cysts
- developmental abnormalities eg extra teeth or un-erupted teeth
- some types of tumors
There are two types of radiographs: intra-oral and extra-oral. The intra-oral X-rays are the most commonly known type that involve the placement of the small films inside the mouth, and provide the most detail and accuracy of small areas at a time. The extra-oral films are larger, and take a more overall view of the teeth and jaws. The most common extra-oral film is the panoramic X-ray which is taken by a unit that rotates around the patient’s head and produces a complete survey of the teeth and upper and lower jawbones.