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
Interproximal
These show the crown portions of the upper and lower teeth together when the patient bites down on a small paper tab.
Periapical
These show 1 or 2 complete teeth from the crown to the root.
Occlusal
The Occlusal X-ray captures all the upper or lower teeth together in a single view while the film rests on the biting surface of the teeth.
Panoramic
Requiere una máquina que gira alrededor de la cabeza y permite obtener en una sola imagen los maxilares y todos los dientes. Se usa para planificar implantes, detectar muelas del juicio impactadas y problemas mandibulares, aunque no es ideal para identificar caries salvo que estén muy avanzadas.
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.
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.