DENTAL RADIOLOGY

Dental Radiology is the branch of medicine based on the use of various types of radiation, especially x-rays, in the diagnosis and treatment of various diseases, and the application of x-rays in dentistry is called dental radiology. Radiography has a very important place for dental and oral health. Problems such as decay, bone loss and root canal that cannot be detected on examination can be easily detected by dental radiography. In addition, x-rays help dentists in orthodontic treatment and implant placement.

How often should x-rays be taken?

The question of how often the x-ray should be taken depends on the patient's medical and dental history and current status. Some people need x-rays every 6 months.

Are x-rays high in radiation?

With the development of technology, the radiation used by x-ray machines is gradually decreasing. Although it is a very fairly dose, equal to the amount of natural radiation taken in 3 days in a sunny area, we reduce this amount even more by using special lead aprons in our hospital.

How is a Panoramic Dental X-ray film taken?

After all metal accessories and removable prostheses close to the head and neck of the patient are removed, the patient is put on a lead protective apron. The X-ray machine rotates around the patient who doesn’t move for less than a minute, and the procedure is complete.

Why is oral, dental and jaw radiology important?

Oral Diagnosis examination is not always limited to dentistry. Some of the oral symptoms can be a systemic-general common symptom of serious diseases. For example; Gingival bleeding can be a symptom of a syndrome related to teeth, as well as a symptom of serious diseases such as leukemia. Oral cancers are seen in up to 5% of the general cancer rates and oral diagnosis examination is required for early diagnosis.

Where are dental radiology and imaging used?

• Detection of caries,
• Before and during root canal treatment,
• Detecting bone damage in cases where gingival diseases are advanced
• Pre-implant surgery planning and follow-up of treatment,
• Joint disorders,
• Suspicion of cysts and tumors related to teeth and bones,
• Determining the position of the impacted tooth before surgical procedures,
• In orthodontic treatment, in determining the relationship between the jaws and teeth and determining the treatment method,
• Following the tooth development and growth for children,
• In suspicion of tooth and jaw fracture.

Is Dental X-ray harmful?
Pregnant women are also not recommended. It is not harmful given that necessary precautions (lead apron, lead rooms, dose adjustment etc.) are taken. It is an important auxiliary method for dentists.

Just as everything has a lifetime, our teeth also have a lifetime too.
If we don't pay attention to them, we can lose them in a short time.
We should do regular daily cleaning and periodic maintenance.
We should go to the dentist for a check-up at least twice a year.
​Health problems such as recurrent caries, tartar formation, abrasion and fractures are seen in uncared teeth.