X-ray of the jaw is a procedure that is often prescribed by the attending physician to diagnose a particular disease. This image will allow you to more thoroughly diagnose 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 by other narrow-profile specialists. An x-ray of the jaw, made before and after treatment, can be used throughout life as a document that provides comprehensive information about the characteristics of the patient’s health status.
Modern technologies provide the opportunity 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 you to carry out the procedure in less than 30 seconds and have virtually no harmful radiation.
Dental X-ray
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 diagnosis by the X-ray machine that shows the true cause of the pain, invisible defects and other problems that cannot be seen from the outside. A radiographic examination will show the presence of a cyst, connective tissue disorder, 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 has taken root. An orthodontist will also prescribe an x-ray before installing the braces to fix the teeth in order to see a complete picture of the patient's condition. With this diagnosis, the smallest details are visible, which show the structure of the upper and lower jaw. From the pictures, 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 indispensable, since the picture clearly shows the reasons for which there may be delays in the eruption of molars, especially bite. Most dental clinics use a modern digital x-ray, which allows you to take a picture of the jaw as a whole, and a spot picture of one tooth and the surrounding tissues.
X-ray in maxillofacial and plastic surgery
An x-ray of the jaw is necessarily prescribed by the maxillofacial and plastic surgeon. This study is the first stage that all patients who, for whatever reason, go to the Institute of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery undergo treatment before prescribing treatment. This can 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 full examination if they have problems associated with dentistry. One such examination is digital x-ray. It is this diagnostic method that is the least safe in the event that pictures need to be taken repeatedly due to surgical intervention.
X-ray of the jaw with a head injury
At the slightest head injuries, such as a mild concussion, not to mention more serious problems, an x-ray of the jaw is necessarily prescribed. Very often, even minor head injuries can cause cracking of bones and teeth. During strokes or concussions, the temporomandibular joint most often suffers . An injury that is not noticed in time can become a serious problem, which in the absence of timely diagnosis and treatment will cause inconvenience for life.
X-ray types
X-ray species differ depending on what the purpose of the study is. There are two types of jaw shots:
- Orthopantogram - a complex image. With it, you can see the jaw completely, including wisdom teeth that have not yet erupted, the maxillary sinuses and the temporomandibular joint. Such a picture will show exactly where the cracks, cysts or fractures are located, and also help to relate the overall picture before and after treatment, to compare how the teeth of the lower jaw are located in relation to the upper.
- Snapshots are a technology in which a particular part of the jaw is examined. One tooth is taken for a detailed study of a specific problem. The so-called "sighting" pictures are taken after a common orthopantogram. You can also separately make an x-ray of the upper jaw and lower.
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 sections of the jaw.
X-ray methods
In addition to the standard method of orthopantrum (the whole jaw picture), there is a point effect of x-rays on the tooth. In 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 particular tooth is translucent.
- Radiovisiography is one of the methods of x-ray diagnostics, in which the matrix of the apparatus itself is located directly at a particular tooth. This modern type of digital x-ray allows the doctor to get a high-resolution image right on the 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 transmission. If necessary, it is recommended to use it for 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 an x-ray be taken without harm to health?
There are established standards by which the number of jaw x-ray sessions per year is calculated. The maximum value for an adult reaches 1000 microsievert. 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 dose is allowed. Limitations can be translated into the number of shots:
- Orthopantogram - up to 40 pictures.
- Digital X-ray method - up to 80 images.
- Radiviziograph - up to 100 pictures.
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 can be done on a conventional x-ray machine. However, if it is possible to conduct digital research, then this will be an optimal and effective solution. Pregnant women are advised to use the CT (computed tomography) method, as it has virtually no harmful radiation and is safe for the baby. However, resorting to x-ray during pregnancy still should not be without good reason. Even the most harmless method still has a negative effect on the fetus, therefore, in the absence of urgent need, the examination is recommended to be postponed. An x-ray examination during pregnancy can be strictly prescribed by a doctor.
X-ray contraindications
X-ray scanning 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 is in a serious or unconscious state.