X-rays and Tomography
What is a Dental X-ray?
Dental X-rays are a type of image of the teeth and mouth. X-rays are a form of high-energy electromagnetic radiation that penetrates the body to form an image on film or a screen; these can be captured digitally or on traditional film. Dense structures (such as silver fillings or metal restorations) block most of the X-ray energy, appearing white on the developed image. Structures containing air appear black, while teeth, tissue, and fluids appear as shades of gray.
Types of Dental X-rays by Purpose
CT Scan / 3D CT Scans
It enables the acquisition of detailed images of the teeth, bones, and oral structures to support more precise diagnosis and planning.
Periapical
These show 1 or 2 complete teeth from the crown to the root.
Digital scanner / Intraoral scanner
It captures a digital image of teeth and gums, facilitating evaluations and treatments without the need for traditional impressions.
Panoramic
It requires a machine that rotates around the head and allows for a single image of the jaws and all the teeth. It is used to plan implants, detect impacted wisdom teeth, and identify jaw problems, although it is not ideal for identifying cavities unless they are very advanced.
Cephalometric
It shows a side view of the face, representing the relationship of the jaw on each side, as well as the rest of the structures. It is useful for diagnosing any issues in the airways.
Orthodontic packages
Options that combine services to assess, plan, and monitor orthodontic treatment according to each patient's needs.
What's the difference between a regular X-ray and a tomography?
Dental tomography is a highly valuable diagnostic tool that provides a much more detailed view than a regular or panoramic X-ray. Because standard X-rays are only two-dimensional, they have limitations; however, a 3D scan allows the specialist to perform a deeper analysis of both dental and bone structures with exceptional clarity. Additionally, this technology gives us the advantage of zooming in and rotating the images as needed, providing high-definition quality for a more accurate diagnosis.
