Teeth X-Rays Ballincollig
A dental x-ray is one of the most common diagnostic tools used to provide the dentist with more information about your teeth and the structure of your gums. Occasionally, your dentist may require some x-rays as part of your dental check-up.
These small, low dosage images can be necessary to better assess your tooth/teeth structure, supporting socket bone and existing restorations (fillings/crowns) etc.
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Before your treatment, your dentist may require a large, full mouth dental x-ray called an Orthopantomogram or OPG. It is important that you inform your dentist if you are pregnant before you have any x-rays taken. There are two main categories when it comes to dental x-rays; intraoral x-rays and extraoral x-rays. An intraoral x-ray is a small x-ray taken inside the mouth. An extraoral x-ray is a bigger x-ray which is taken outside the mouth but gives the dentist more information on wisdom teeth, bone levels, etc.
Intraoral Radiographs
Intraoral x-rays are the most common type of x-rays as they give a high level of detail. These x-rays can allow dentists to:
- Find cavities and decay
- Look at the roots of a tooth
- Check the health of the bone surrounding teeth
- See the progress of developing teeth
Intraoral X-rays
Depending on what you’re treatment plan is, your dentist could choose from a variety of intraoral x-rays such as:
A bite-wing x-ray highlights the crowns of the back teeth. Taken on either one or two sides of the mouth, this x-ray shows the upper and lower molars and bicuspids. In order for these x-rays to be effective, patients are asked to bite down on a wing shaped device, hence the name.
A periapical x-ray looks similar to a bite-wing x-ray. However, it shows the entire length of each tooth, from crown to root.
An occlusal x-ray is larger than a usual x-ray. This kind of x-ray highlights tooth development and placement of teeth in children and shows the full arch in either the upper or lower jaw.
Extraoral Radiographs
Extraoral x-rays are made with the film outside the mouth. This form of x-ray is considered the “big picture” x-ray. They show teeth, but they also provide information on the jaw and skull. Extraoral x-rays can be used to:
- Keep track of growth and development of teeth
- Look at the status of impacted teeth
- Examine the relationships between teeth and jaws
- Examine the bones of the face
Dental Computed Tomography (CBCT)
This type of imaging looks at interior structures of the mouth and jaw in 3-D and is used to find problems in the bones of the face such as cysts, tumors, and fractures. CT scans are also useful in implant work and more complex root canal treatments.
Make an EnquiryTo find out more about teeth x-rays in Ballincollig, please contact us on (021) 487 5566 or ballincollig@dentalcareireland.ie.
