How is a dental X-ray performed?

This is an automatically translated article.

The article is professionally consulted by Master, Doctor Nguyen Van Phan - Head of Interventional Imaging Unit - Department of Diagnostic Imaging and Nuclear Medicine - Vinmec Times City International General Hospital.
Dental X-ray is a technique that takes pictures of the teeth, bone and soft tissue around the teeth. Dental x-ray images will help doctors detect dental problems such as cavities, abscesses, cysts, and even tumors. In addition, dental X-rays also help doctors monitor the process of orthodontic treatment and cosmetic dentistry.

1. Types of dental X-rays

Commonly used dental X-rays such as: periapical X-ray, bite X-ray, panoramic X-ray Bite-wing X-ray...
The first oral examination will be X-ray around the apex. Examination related to caries will be applied bite wing technique. Panoramic X-rays will sometimes be done. Depending on the patient's age and pathological signs, the doctor will prescribe the appropriate type of dental X-ray.

2. Purpose of dental X-ray

● Detect problems such as: decayed teeth, broken roots, damaged teeth.
Detect the positions of misaligned teeth or teeth that grow deep into the gums.
● Find cysts, monitor abnormal growth.
● Dental X-rays also help doctors check the position of the developing teeth in the jaw in children who are still teething.
● Assist in root canal surgery, dental implants, or extraction of teeth that are difficult to get deep inside.
● Support orthodontic methods when teeth are misaligned.
Dental x-rays are important in detecting caries in the early stages of the disease.

When to have a dental x-ray:
For those who do not have tooth decay:
● Adults should have a dental x-ray every 2-3 years.
● Teenagers should have a radiograph every 1-3 years.
● Children should have a dental x-ray once a year.
For those who are suffering from tooth decay:
● Adults should have regular X-rays every 6 months – 1 year.
● Children should have an X-ray every 6 months – 1 year.

3. How is the dental X-ray procedure done?

3.1. Before taking a dental X-ray You do not need to do any special preparation before taking a dental X-ray.
If you have had a recent X-ray, send copies of previous radiographs to your doctor. And you don't need to take X-rays anymore.
In case you are pregnant, dental X-rays will be delayed. However, in the case of mandatory X-rays, you need to wear a lead shirt or a lead apron to cover the entire abdomen to avoid the influence of X-rays on the fetus.

3.2. Dental X-ray procedure The entire dental X-ray procedure is done in a dental clinic, the steps are as follows:
● Wear a lead coat: Your dentist will let you wear a lead shirt or an apron. lead, avoiding the impact of X-rays to other areas of the body. In addition, you will cover the neck area with a thyroid shield or lead neck to protect the thyroid gland from the effects of X-rays.
● When taking dental X-rays, there should be only 1 technician or 1 dentist and patient , everyone else should go out of the room. Technicians and dentists also wear the same shirt or apron and lead collar as the patient to avoid the impact of X-rays on them.
● Your dentist will give you a piece of cardboard or plastic to suck on. This cover has the effect of holding the X-ray film when taking. X-ray machine uses a camera that wraps around the head and takes pictures of teeth while sitting or standing
● You can rinse your mouth before taking an X-ray of your teeth.
In some places digital images will be used. Instead of using radiographic film, this method will use an electronic sensor. Captured images will be stored in the computer and can be monitored through the computer screen. Digital imaging uses less radiation than traditional dental X-rays.

4. Instructions for reading X-ray results

After obtaining the dental X-ray image, the dentist will view the image and read the results:
4.1 Normal result ● No tooth decay detected
● Check found no damage to the bone supporting the tooth
● No trauma such as broken teeth or jawbone
No tumor or inflammation detected
● No detected teeth out of position
4.2 Abnormal results ● Detected deep tooth decay
Detected damage to the bones that support teeth
Detect trauma such as broken teeth or jawbone
Detect cysts, tumors or boils
● Detect molars, extra teeth and misaligned teeth.

In conclusion, dental X-ray plays an important role in detecting dental problems such as cavities, abscesses, cysts, even tumors at the very first stage of the disease. In addition, dental X-rays also help doctors monitor the process of orthodontic treatment and cosmetic dentistry. The dental X-ray procedure is also done quite quickly and efficiently. If you have any questions, please contact your dentist for prompt answers.
Dr. Nguyen Van Phan is an interventional radiologist and radiologist, with extensive experience in diagnosing and performing vascular interventions such as brain aneurysm implantation, brain stenting, and vascular malformations. cerebrovascular brain; embolization to treat hemoptysis; treatment of liver tumors, uterine fibroids, benign prostatic hypertrophy, stem cell transplantation for treatment of cirrhosis, congenital biliary atrophy, Type II diabetes... Non-vascular interventions such as high-frequency ablation frequency (RFA) treatment of liver tumors, benign thyroid tumors; aspiration and drainage of abscesses, drainage and stenting of biliary tract, urinary kidney; aspiration and biopsy of the breast, thyroid, lymph nodes, software, biopsy of liver tumors, lung tumors, bone tumors ...
All questions need to be answered by specialists as well as customers. If you want to be examined and treated at Vinmec International General Hospital, you can contact Vinmec Health System nationwide or register online HERE.

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