X-ray of the jaw is a procedure that is often prescribed by the attending physician to diagnose a particular disease. This picture will allow you to diagnose in more detail various problems of the head, teeth, connective tissues and the jaw as a whole. Such a study is prescribed not only by dentists, but also by maxillofacial and plastic surgeons, as well as other highly specialized specialists. X-ray of the jaw, taken before and after treatment, can be used throughout life as a document that provides comprehensive information about the characteristics of the patient's state of he alth.
Modern technologies make it possible to take an x-ray without harm to the body. Some types of such diagnostics are not contraindicated even for children and pregnant women. The latest X-ray methods allow the procedure to be completed in less than 30 seconds and have virtually no harmful radiation.
X-ray in dentistry
Before starting treatment, any orthodontist or dentist must prescribe an x-ray of the jaw, since without it it is simply impossible to obtain comprehensive information about the condition of the teeth. It is the X-ray diagnostics that shows the true cause of pain, invisible defects and other problems that cannot be seen from the outside. An x-ray examination will show the presence of a cyst, a connective tissue disorder, an abscess, osteomyelitis, or a crack in the jaw. It is also indispensable when installing dental implants. The study allows you to find out how well the implant or jaw prosthesis took root. The orthodontist, before installing the bracket system for correcting teeth, will also prescribe an x-ray in order to see a complete picture of the patient's condition. With such a diagnosis, the smallest details are visible that show the structure of the upper and lower jaws. From the images, the doctor receives important information that will be useful to him in the process of diagnosis and treatment.
In pediatric dentistry, an X-ray of the jaw is simply irreplaceable, since the picture clearly shows the reasons for which there may be delays in the eruption of molars, bite features. Most dental clinics use a modern digital x-ray, which allows you to take a picture of the jaw as a whole, as well as a pinpoint picture of one tooth and its surrounding tissues.
Radiography in maxillofacial and plastic surgery
X-ray of the jaw is necessarily assigned to the maxillofacial andplastic surgeon. This study is the first stage that all patients who, for whatever reason, enter the Institute of Maxillofacial Surgery go through before the appointment of treatment. This may be an emergency operation aimed at helping with complex injuries. Also, when performing operations to improve the appearance, plastic surgeons will prescribe a full X-ray examination of the jaw and head. The Institute of Maxillofacial Surgery is equipped with modern high-tech devices. Here, patients can undergo a complete examination if they have problems related to dentistry. One such examination is digital x-ray. It is this diagnostic method that is the least safe if the images need to be taken repeatedly due to surgery.
X-ray of the jaw in case of a head injury
At the slightest head injury, such as a mild concussion, not to mention more serious problems, a jaw x-ray is mandatory. Very often, even minor head injuries can cause cracked bones and teeth. When struck or concussion, the temporomandibular joint most often suffers. An injury not noticed in time can become a serious problem, which, if not diagnosed and treated in time, will cause inconvenience for a lifetime.
X-ray types
Types of x-rays differ depending on the purpose of the study. There are also two types of jaw imaging:
- Orthopantogram - a complex image. Viait can see the entire jaw, including the wisdom teeth that have not yet erupted, the maxillary sinuses, and the temporomandibular joint. Such a picture will show exactly where the cracks, cyst or fracture are located, and will also help correlate the overall picture before and after treatment, compare how the teeth of the lower jaw are located in relation to the upper ones.
- Spot shots are a technology in which a specific area of the jaw is examined. A picture of one tooth is taken for a detailed study of a specific problem. The so-called "sighting" pictures are taken after a general orthopantogram. You can also take X-rays of the upper jaw and lower jaw separately.
X-ray diagnostic methods
X-rays are examined in two different ways:
- Interproximal x-ray shows the marginal parts of the jaw. Such a study effectively helps to detect the problem of hidden caries and pathologies of wisdom teeth.
- Occlusal x-ray is a method that is used to study specific areas of the jaw.
X-ray methods
In addition to the standard method of conducting an orthopanthorama (a picture of the entire jaw), there is also a point effect of X-ray on the tooth. With this method, an x-ray film wrapped in thick opaque paper is placed behind the tooth. With the help of a special X-ray tube, one specific tooth is translucent.
- Radiovisiography is one of the methodsX-ray diagnostics, in which the matrix of the device itself is located directly at a specific tooth. This state-of-the-art digital X-ray allows the doctor to take a high-resolution image directly on a computer monitor and study it in detail. This method is one of the safest. However, it is not used in all clinics, as this technology is expensive.
- CT (computed tomography) is the safest method of transillumination. It is it that, if necessary, is recommended for use by children and pregnant women. The procedure does not take more than 30 seconds. At the same time, an X-ray of the lower jaw, upper jaw and the area adjacent to them will be taken.
How often can X-rays be taken without harm to he alth?
There are established standards by which the number of jaw x-rays per year is calculated. The maximum value for an adult reaches 1000 microsieverts. For pregnant women and children, this number is halved. This indicator determines the degree of exposure during routine examinations, however, with active treatment, a slight excess of the specified radiation dose is allowed. Restrictions can be translated into number of shots:
- Orthopantogram - up to 40 images.
- Digital x-ray method - up to 80 shots.
- Radiovisiograph - up to 100 images.
X-ray of the jaw for children and pregnant women
For children and pregnant women, the radiation dose should be minimal. If the picture is taken once, then it is quite possible to produce it on a conventional x-ray machine. However, if it is possible to conduct a digital study, then this will be the best and most effective solution. Pregnant women are advised to use the CT (computed tomography) method, as it has practically no harmful radiation and is safe for the baby. However, X-rays during pregnancy should not be used without good reason. Even the most harmless method still has a negative effect on the fetus, therefore, in the absence of an urgent need, it is recommended to postpone the examination. X-ray examination during pregnancy can be strictly prescribed by a doctor.
Contraindications for x-rays
X-ray transillumination for diagnostic purposes has practically no contraindications. The only contraindications (with the exception of pregnancy) are severe bleeding of the oral cavity and the patient being in a severe or unconscious state.
