How Do Dental X-Rays Work?
When you get a dental X-ray, a small device emits a controlled beam of radiation that passes through your mouth to create an image. Hard structures like teeth and bone block more radiation, appearing white on the X-ray, while softer tissues appear darker.
Digital X-rays use electronic sensors to capture these images, which are immediately displayed on a screen for analysis. This process is fast and efficient and significantly reduces your radiation exposure compared to traditional methods.
Types of Dental X-Rays
Different types of dental X-rays help identify a variety of issues. At Paul DiFranco Orthodontics, we use these X-rays to guide your orthodontic treatment:
Bitewing X-Rays
- Capture the upper and lower teeth in one area.
- Useful for detecting cavities and checking the fit of restorations like crowns.
Periapical X-Rays
- Focus on a single tooth from the root to the crown.
- Detects abscesses, infections, or bone changes around a specific tooth.
Panoramic X-Rays
- Provide a broad view of your entire mouth, including teeth, jaws, and sinuses.
- Essential for planning orthodontic treatments or identifying impacted teeth.
Cephalometric X-Rays
- Used primarily in orthodontics to capture a side profile of the face and jaw.
- Helps in assessing bite alignment and planning treatments like braces.
