Dental Imaging Allows Us To Give You Your Best Treatment Plan

Dental imaging is an essential part of checking the state of a patient's teeth and jaws. The main type of dental imaging is x-rays, but there are different types and alternatives to this that you may find at your next dental appointment.

Dental imaging techniques fall into different categories like intraoral (the x-ray film or camera goes into the mouth) and extraoral (the x-ray image comes from the outside of the mouth).

Type: Intraoral
Description: Bitewing x-rays capture a specific section of your mouth, usually the back teeth, to reveal the crowns and part of the roots.
Uses: Exposing cavities or gum disease.

Type: Intraoral
Description: Periapical x-rays focus on two or three teeth from root to crown.
Uses: Identifying cavities between two teeth or abnormalities in the roots or jawbone of specific teeth.

Type: Intraoral
Description: Occlusal x-rays capture the top and bottom teeth when you shut your jaw.
Uses: Checking dental alignment and revealing hidden or unerupted teeth in children and teens. 

Type: Intraoral
Description: An intraoral camera is a pen-shaped device mounted with a high-resolution camera and powerful LED lights.
Uses: Dental exams and patient education because the images connect to a TV screen beside the dentist's chair.

Type: Extraoral
Description: The digital x-ray machine connects to a computer to produce dental images almost instantaneously.
Uses: Panoramic x-rays that capture the entire structure of the teeth and jawbone.

Type: Extraoral
Description: Ceph x-rays capture a profile or side of the head to reveal how your teeth are growing in relation to the jaw.
Uses: Developing dental treatment plans.

Methuen Family Dentistry utilizes the best and most effective dental imaging techniques for fast diagnosis and treatment plans. To see these dental imaging methods at work, contact us today.