Don’t know a periapical from a bitewing? Today’s Wetaskiwin dental blog takes a look at dental x-rays.
Panoramic
If you have ever stood in a huge camera apparatus and struggled to stay motionless while an automated camera made one slow pass around your head, then you have had a panoramic x-ray taken of your mouth. These pictures help dentists see everything in one image: the complete upper and lower jaw. These are often taken during a patient’s first visit to Wetaskiwin Family Dental. They are also very helpful for evaluating jaw injuries and seeing emerging teeth in children.
Bitewing
Bitewing x-rays help Dr. Mahoney see what’s going on between teeth – something that is always necessary but impossible with a visual exam. They also help your dentist in Wetaskiwin evaluate the jaw bone.
Periapical
These are similar to bite wings but they can get a clearer picture of the tooth roots and bone. These are typically used to help diagnose an abscess in the root of a tooth.
Full-Mouth Series
This is a combination of periapical and bitewing x-rays that gives a comprehensive picture of all the teeth and surrounding bone structure.
If you are worried about the safety of dental x-rays, we invite you to speak with our calming staff. We can explain all the precautions that we take to reduce radiation exposure and answer any questions you may have.
If you are pregnant and need a dental x-ray, it is essential to let us know this before x-rays are taken. X-rays are not necessarily dangerous for pregnant women, but they are often postponed until after delivery as a precaution. If you are pregnant but have a dental issue, call our office right away. We can be reached at 780-352-5113.
We hope you have learned a little bit about dental x-rays, one of Tim Mahoney’s indispensable tools in providing unsurpassed dental care in Wetaskiwin. Check back often for more specifics about dentistry at Wetaskiwin Family Dental.
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