This technique focuses on two complete teeth from root to crown.Įxtraoral X-rays may be used when your dentist suspects there might be problems in areas outside of the gums and teeth, such as the jaw.Ī dental hygienist will guide you through each step of the X-ray process. Your dentist may use this technique to check your wisdom teeth, plan for implanted dental devices, or investigate jaw problems. For this type of X-ray, the machine rotates around the head. This technique captures all of your teeth in one shot. It can also detect anatomical abnormalities with the floor of the mouth or the palate.
This X-ray is done when your jaw is closed to see how your upper and bottom teeth line up. This is commonly used to check for cavities between teeth (interdental). This technique involves biting down on a special piece of paper so that your dentist can see how well the crowns of your teeth match up.
The most common are intraoral X-rays, such as: Encourage your child to brush twice a day with a toothpaste that fights cavities.Īs a parent, it's natural to have safety concerns about X-rays, but understanding the benefits and risks of dental X-rays and talking to your child's dentist can help you figure out the best thing for your child.There are several types of dental X-rays, which record slightly different views of your mouth. That's why practicing good oral hygiene is critical. And don't forget that children with a low risk of tooth decay don't need X-rays as often. That said, you can ask for a leaded apron or a leaded thyroid collar for your child so that you can shield their abdomen and thyroid. These guidelines recommend that "medical X-ray imaging exams be optimized to use the lowest radiation dose needed." Additionally, most dental professionals follow the new pediatric X-ray guidelines from the Food and Drug Administration. They will expose your child to low radiation levels, but the possibility of experiencing any harmful effects is also low. Now you might know more about when X-rays are needed for your child but do you still have questions about their safety? According to Mouth Healthy by the American Dental Association, dental X-rays are safe. Unlike the other types of X-rays mentioned, cone beam computerized tomography provides a 3D view of your child's mouth. It can help in planning orthodontic treatments. CephalometricĪ cephalometric X-ray shows both your child's teeth and the jaw and head by taking an image of the entire side of your child's head. These X-rays can be used to see emerging teeth, impacted teeth, or tumors. PanoramicĪ panoramic X-ray will show your child's whole mouth in one X-ray – all the teeth in both the upper and lower jaws. Occlusalīy tracking the placement and development of the entire arch of teeth in either the top or bottom jaw, occlusal X-rays can be used to see how the teeth fit together when your child bites down. Periapicalįocusing on just one or two teeth, periapical X-rays show the entirety of your child's tooth, from crown to root. It can be used to looking at cavities or decay between teeth and monitoring previous fillings' wear or breakdown. Depending on what dentists are trying to find out, they might order any of these types of X-rays: BitewingĪ bitewing X-ray studies the crowns of the upper and lower teeth in one area of the mouth, for instance, the molars and premolars. There are several types of X-rays, each one serving a unique purpose.