
The process of identifying oral diseases, disorders or abnormalities through a methodical and comprehensive examination is known as oral diagnosis. To obtain a complete examination of the patient's oral health, it also includes reviewing the patient's medical and dental history, performing a clinical examination of the teeth, gums and surrounding tissues, and using state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment.
It provides valuable data that assists in developing definitive diagnosis and treatment plans. Dentists can see hidden parts of the teeth, jaw, and facial tissues during a routine oral examination, thanks to a dental X-ray. These X-rays help find hidden dental problems such as abscesses, impacted teeth, bone loss, tooth decay.
Dental film taken from the mouth consists of periapical, bite and occlusal images. They offer a comprehensive view of specific teeth and the structures around them.
Panoramic, cephalometric, and three-dimensional dental tomography (CBCT) are examples of extraoral radiographs taken from the mouth. They offer a more comprehensive view of the jaw, facial tissues, and teeth.
Radiology and oral diagnosis support dentists in:
On average, a plane trip exposes us to 8 panoramic dental X-rays of radiation. Therefore, panoramic dental x-rays are considered safe. Dental X-rays use extremely little radiation, thanks to strict regulations that dentists follow to reduce radiation exposure. It is very important that you tell your dentist about your medical history and possible problems, such as pregnancy, to ensure that appropriate safety precautions are taken.
Your specific dental needs, age, and risk factors for oral disease will all have an impact on how often you take dental films. Your dentist will examine your oral health and make recommendations about an acceptable range of X-ray checkups. Those more likely to develop dental problems may need X-rays more often than those with good oral health.
A panoramic x-ray produces a single, wide view of the teeth, upper and lower jaws, and other supporting structures in the mouth. It can be used to assess jaw problems, locate impacted teeth, and assess overall dental health. A periapical X-ray, on the other hand, focuses on a single tooth or a small cluster of teeth and provides a comprehensive view of the root anatomy of the tooth and surrounding bone.
A cephalometric x-ray is a two-dimensional x-ray that shows the skull bones and jaw from the side. It is used to examine the development and growth direction of the jaw bones before orthodontic treatment.
Panoramic x-ray or dental tomography is used for wisdom teeth x-ray. Panoramic x-ray shows the relationship of the wisdom teeth with the jaws in two dimensions and does not provide a complete diagnosis. With dental tomography, wisdom teeth are examined in three dimensions, and their relationship with jaws, jaw nerves and veins can be monitored in detail.
Dental tomography allows to examine 3D images of tooth structures, soft tissues, nerves and vessels with advanced computer programs. It is difficult to find a public hospital that performs dental tomography, but dental tomography is routinely performed in our clinic and is used for diagnosis, especially before surgical procedures.
Although dental X-rays sometimes show abnormalities that may indicate the presence of oral cancer, they are not done specifically to find the disease. A comprehensive clinical examination and other diagnostic procedures, including biopsy, are necessary to effectively detect oral cancer.