Dental

Charles Edmund Kells Jr.

1896

Charles Edmund Kells Jr.

Father of Dental Radiography

Panoramic Radiography

1898

Digital X-rays

Today

Dental radiography, dental x-rays

involves taking images of your teeth and jaws to help dentists diagnose and monitor various oral health issues. These X-rays can reveal structures that aren’t visible during a regular dental exam, such as the roots of your teeth, jawbone, and any hidden cavities or infection

• Intraoral X-rays

• Extraoral X-rays

Two main types of dental X-rays

Bitewing X-rays

Periapical X-rays

Occlusal X-rays

• Types of intraoral X-rays

• Panoramic X-rays

• Cephalometric X-rays

• Types of extraoral X-rays

Bitewing X-rays

Show details of the upper and lower teeth in one area of the mouth. These dental X-rays help your dentist detect decay between your teeth or any changes that occur just below your gum line

Periapical X-rays

Focus on one or two complete teeth from root to crown. Shows your entire tooth, from the crown to the root tip. This type of X-ray helps your dentist detect decay, gum disease, bone loss and any other abnormalities of your tooth or surrounding bone

Occlusal X-rays

Capture the roof or floor of the mouth to show full tooth development and placement. These images are helpful when diagnosing fractured or impacted teeth or evaluating the roots of your front teeth.

This can also help identify cysts, abscesses and jaw fractures

Panoramic X-rays

a two-dimensional (2-D) dental x-ray examination that captures the entire mouth in a single image, including the teeth, upper and lower jaws, surrounding structures and tissues

Cephalometric X-rays

shows your entire head from the side. It shows your dentist the location of your teeth in relation to your jaw. Orthodontists (dentists who specialize in correcting bites) often use cephalometric X-rays to plan treatment

Cone-Beam CT (CBCT)

A specialized type of X-ray that provides detailed 3D images of your teeth, soft tissues, nerve pathways, and bone in a single scan. Unlike traditional CT scans, which use a fan-shaped X-ray beam, this uses a cone-shaped beam, allowing for high-resolution images with a smaller field of view.

CBCT scans produce highly detailed images, making them invaluable for diagnosing and planning treatments for dental and oral conditions. They can show the exact position of teeth, roots, jawbone, and surrounding structures

What are CBCT scans invaluable for?

● Implant Planning: Helps in the precise placement of dental implants.

● Orthodontics: Assists in planning orthodontic treatments.

● TMJ Disorders: Useful in diagnosing temporomandibular joint disorders.

● Surgical Planning: Aids in planning surgeries for impacted teeth and other complex dental procedures

Common Uses of CBCT

Parts of the machine

1. Detecting Cavities

2. Assessing Existing Fillings

3. Bone Loss Evaluation

4. Infection Detection

5. Evaluating Tooth Position

6. Identifying Cysts and Tumors

7. Fractures

8. Early Intervention

Reasons why Dentists may recommend or request Dental Radiographs

1. Lead Aprons

2. Proper Positioning

3. Pregnant Patients

4. Ordering Radiographs Moderately

Radiation Protection in Dental Radiography

Remove dentures and all accessories on the head area

Preparations

Anatomy

Patient Positioning Requirements

Patient Positioning for Panoramic X-ray

Patient Positioning for Panoramic X-ray