When it comes to getting dental x-rays, there are two types of x-rays that traditionally get offered. One is the panoramic x-ray, and the other is traditional. Both x-rays have their purpose in the dental field and serve as different types of pictures to help dentists provide the best possible services to their patients.
The purpose of the x-rays discussed below will help your dentist determine which x-rays are right for your personal needs.
Panoramic X-Rays:
Panoramic X-Rays use very small amounts of radiation to help capture the entire mouth in one 2-D picture. These x-rays are used in everyday dental practices and expose the patient to as little radiation as possible while still giving the dentist the picture they need to work with to provide the patient with quality care. These x-rays are used as preparation for dentures, braces, extractions, and implants, to name a few things they get used for by dentists.
There is no special preparation needed on your part to have these x-rays taken. However, notify your dentist if you are pregnant. Remove any eyeglasses or jewelry or other metal objects that may interfere with the x-rays. You will also get a lead apron that will help protect the rest of your body from any possible radiation exposure while the x-rays are getting taken.
Traditional X-Rays:
Traditional x-rays are those that use a bit more radiation, and they can capture the mouth in 3-D rather than in 2-D. These x-rays still give off very little radiation and are very safe for human use. However, these x-rays are taken of only part of the mouth and provide more detailed images that allow dentists to do more detailed work. Traditional x-rays are typically required in the dental field when a dentist needs a diagnosis or needs to get to the root of the problem to be able to treat the issue.
Panoramic & Traditional X-Rays: They Both Serve a Purpose:
It’s not about which x-rays are better than the other. The fact is that both types of x-rays serve a purpose within the dental community. Panoramic x-rays are a great way to cut down on radiation exposure when the dentist needs a simple picture of the entire mouth. However, when trying to diagnose an issue within a certain part of the mouth, the dentist will need a more detailed 3-D x-ray, and traditional x-rays provide those more detailed pictures so that the correct diagnosis can get made.
Conclusions:
Here at the Westmoreland Dental Group, we use both types of x-rays as they have different purposes and help provide the best care to our patients based on their unique and individual needs. For further assistance or to get more information about the x-rays we use here in our offices, please feel free to contact us or speak to your dentist about the x-rays you will receive while you are at your appointment.
We look forward to seeing you at our office for your next appointment! Thank you for trusting our dental practice with your oral health!