What does the dentist mean by taking a radiograph?

Many people have the experience of going to a dental hospital for medical treatment. Many times the doctor will ask the patient to take a radiograph first, and then the doctor will take the film back and read it. Then proceed to the next step of treatment. Is this film the same as the one that needs to be taken when you have a fracture? In fact, this is called an oral panoramic radiograph.

What is an oral panoramic radiograph?

A panoramic radiograph can completely and clearly display the upper and lower collar bones, as well as the upper and lower collar dentition, on one piece of film. The condition of the alveolar bone can clearly display the condition of the upper collar sinus cavity, sinus wall, sinus floor, and collar joint, and can help diagnose diseases around the collar bone.

Why is it necessary to take panoramic dental radiographs?

Taking panoramic radiographs is a very important examination process before oral treatment. Doctors can observe the health status of the teeth through panoramic radiographs to see whether there are any invisible teeth. Teeth, impacted impacted teeth, supernumerary teeth, alveolar bone resorption. retraction, gum recession, whether there are tumors in the oral cavity, etc. Before dental implantation, orthodontics, dental restoration, wisdom teeth extraction, etc., it is necessary to take panoramic oral photos.

For example, the following situations cannot be known without taking oral panoramic radiographs.

1. Early proximal caries: Many early proximal caries are not easy to see on the surface. They are just allergic to cold food or the gaps between the teeth become dark. The doctor will be helpless during the examination. At this time, the only option is to take pictures. Panorama can only be discovered.

2. Impacted teeth: Wisdom teeth generally grow in the alveolar bone. Some of them erupt normally, while others are embedded in the alveolar bone and erupt partially or not at all. Therefore, when wisdom teeth are removed, a panoramic photo is required so that the doctor can clearly see the tooth’s growth, root position, and distance from the facial nerve.

3. Supernumerary teeth in children: A normal person will have 28-32 permanent teeth. Teeth that grow beyond 32 are called "supernumerary teeth." It prevents other permanent teeth from erupting properly and causes uneven teeth. Sometimes supernumerary teeth are well hidden and cannot be seen on the surface, so you must take your child for regular X-ray examinations.

Is there a lot of radiation from dental X-rays?

In fact, you don’t have to worry too much about this issue. In addition to receiving this electromagnetic radiation every day, we are also exposed to some harmful substances from nature. Radiation, the general radiation limit for adults is no more than 5 mSv per person per day. Based on this calculation, each person can receive approximately 200 dental x-rays per year, but how is it possible that one person needs to take 200 dental x-rays per year? , and the current dental X-ray examination dose is very small, and there will also be protective clothing.

So you don’t have to worry too much, and you don’t have to give up dental treatment just because you heard that you need to take a dental x-ray. However, we do not recommend that pregnant women take dental X-rays. In addition, when children take dental X-rays, many instruments can adjust the radiation dose in children's mode to make it smaller. Also, everyone has taken good protection. In fact, There isn't much of a problem.