Dental Radiology at SmileVision
Dental X-rays are images of your teeth that we use to evaluate your oral health.
It’s important to know that all radiological investigations can be performed directly in our clinic, without the need to visit other imaging centers.
It’s important to know that all radiological investigations can be performed directly in our clinic, without the need to visit other imaging centers.
About
What Is Radiology?
Dental radiology is the specialty that uses dental imaging to diagnose various oral health conditions. Radiography is an imaging technique in radiology, represented as a two-dimensional or three-dimensional image of the teeth, jawbones, soft tissues, and bones after exposure to X-rays or digital scanning (digital radiology).
Taking a dental X-ray helps the dentist establish an accurate diagnosis, as the procedure reveals details that allow the specialist to determine the nature of necessary dental interventions and even recommend a treatment plan.
Dental radiography serves a dual purpose, on one hand, it answers questions dentists may have when a simple consultation does not reveal all of a patient's problems. On the other hand, radiography plays a crucial preventive role, as it identifies early conditions that require treatment.
Dental radiography serves a dual purpose, on one hand, it answers questions dentists may have when a simple consultation does not reveal all of a patient's problems. On the other hand, radiography plays a crucial preventive role, as it identifies early conditions that require treatment.
Who Interprets a Dental X-Ray?
A dental X-ray is interpreted by the dentist. By carefully examining the image, the dentist can identify hidden structures (such as impacted teeth), cavities, as well as bone loss conditions that cannot be seen with the naked eye. Moreover, X-rays can be useful after treatment to assess its success.
X-rays resemble photographic negatives: dense structures appear white, cavities appear black and soft tissues are shown in various shades of gray.
What is the time interval between two dental X-Rays?
A retroalveolar X-ray exposes the patient to a dose of 1-3 µSv, which is significantly lower than the daily natural radiation dose (5-8 µSv). It is also eight times lower than radiation from air travel (approximately 25 µSv) and sixteen times lower than exposure from living in a brick or concrete building for one year (approximately 75 µSv). A digital panoramic X-ray exposes the patient to 4-14 µSv.
For comparison the annual risk dose that may cause cancer is 100,000 µSv. The dose that causes nausea is 2,000,000 µSv. The lethal dose is 10,000,000 µSv.
Based on these figures, if a dentist recommends 5-6 retroalveolar X-rays per year, there is no associated risk.
Similarly, 3-4 panoramic X-rays annually pose no cause for concern.
Is Dental X-Ray Dangerous?
Dental X-ray is not dangerous. Radiation is present everywhere from sun rays, microwaves, and radio waves to the food we consume daily. When exposure is in small amounts, radiation is not harmful, which includes dental X-rays.
Moreover, digital dental X-rays have a shorter exposure time, and the radiation dose is significantly lower compared to activities like air travel or cooking on a stove. Digital dental radiography uses 80% less radiation, and the exposure time is much shorter than that of traditional X-rays.
How Long Is a Dental X-Ray Valid?
It depends on the case, but in most situations, if the X-ray is older than one year, it is no longer valid. In some cases, even X-rays older than three months may need to be redone.
3 Types of X-Rays We Perform
01
3D Dental Radiography
3D dental radiography is a non-invasive and painless method that captures detailed images from hard-to-reach areas of the oral cavity and presents them in a concise way, providing much more information than a standard examination.
It is a quick procedure that does not take much time, has no negative impact on health, and offers a highly detailed view of the patient's teeth and bone structure.
It is a quick procedure that does not take much time, has no negative impact on health, and offers a highly detailed view of the patient's teeth and bone structure.
At Smile Vision, we offer multiple types of 3D dental radiography:
02
Retroalveolar Radiography
Retroalveolar radiography, also known as periapical X-ray, is a small radiograph that captures 2-3 teeth. Its purpose is to allow the dentist to examine the root tips of these teeth. This way, the specialist can evaluate both the teeth and the surrounding bone structures.
This type of X-ray can be used for both anterior and posterior teeth. With its help, the dentist can analyze precise details regarding dental conditions or previous trauma. A retroalveolar X-ray can be used to determine the need for an endodontic treatment or to assess the success of a root canal procedure after the filling has been completed.
This type of X-ray can be used for both anterior and posterior teeth. With its help, the dentist can analyze precise details regarding dental conditions or previous trauma. A retroalveolar X-ray can be used to determine the need for an endodontic treatment or to assess the success of a root canal procedure after the filling has been completed.
03
Panoramic Radiography
Panoramic X-rays show all upper and lower teeth, as well as the temporomandibular joint, bones, and maxillary sinuses.
They are used to locate pathological formations inside the jaw or detect fractures. Their importance also lies in providing the dentist with a comprehensive overview of the case.
They are used to locate pathological formations inside the jaw or detect fractures. Their importance also lies in providing the dentist with a comprehensive overview of the case.
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