The x-ray machine takes the image from beneath the chin for a view of the lower teeth and jaw, or from above near the nose for the upper teeth and jaw. The film is placed in the mouth between the top and bottom teeth. The piece of film used to take the x-ray is about three times bigger than bite-wing and periapical, which are about one square inch in size.
#6 types of imagery full
They show the entire skeletal anatomy of the area including the full set of teeth and the jaw. Occlusal x-rays take a picture of either the floor of the mouth or the palate, commonly known as the roof of the mouth. Endodontists use them to monitor the progress of endodontic treatments. These x-rays may be used to determine if a root canal is necessary. When a patient is complaining about tooth pain, dentists may use a periapical x-ray to see exactly what the problem is. The image shows the entire tooth from the biting surface all the way up to the tip of the root, as well as the surrounding bone. They allow the dentist to focus in on one specific tooth. Periapical x-rays can be are used on both posterior and anterior teeth. They may also be used to see how the teeth touch each other when the patient bites down. The main use of a bite-wing x-ray is to see if there is tooth decay. They can also show what’s underneath existing fillings. The images will show the biting surface and the area where the main part of the tooth meets the root. They are not typically done on front (anterior) teeth. The patient bites down on the tab so the image will show both top and bottom teeth.ĭentists use bite-wings to get a picture of the back (posterior) teeth. They get their name from a tab on the x-ray film. There are four common types of dental x-rays, each used for different purposesīite-wing x-rays are the type that most people are familiar with. Cavities, infections, and other conditions show up as dark spots on the lighter image of the tooth.ĭifferent types of x-rays have different purposes, depending on what the dentist is trying to see. It is one of the dentist’s most important diagnostic tools, giving him or her a better picture of what’s going on with your teeth than simply looking in your mouth.ĭental radiographs work by using a small, controlled burst of radiation to create a picture of the tooth. A dental x-ray is the common term for a dental radiograph. In addition to a thorough examination of the mouth and teeth during these appointments, the dentist will sometimes order x-rays. Good dental health should include regular visits to the dentist.