Dental X-rays are mainly categorized into two types: one is intra oral X-rays and the other is extra oral X-rays. There is another latest technique called the digital X-rays. Through these X-rays, it is possible to take the pictures of the teeth from both inside and outside of the mouth to know the condition of the teeth. To know the types of dental X-rays in detail, read the following information.
Intraoral X-rays
The name itself insists that the X-ray film is inside the mouth. It is the most common type of X-ray and gives highly detailed information. These help the dentist in finding the cavities, teeth roots, health of the bony area around the teeth, status of developing teeth or good teeth etc. These X-rays show various aspects of the teeth through different types of X-rays. Some of them include: bite-wing X-rays, periapical X-rays and occlusal X-rays etc.
Extraoral x-rays
These X-rays are taken in big pictures and its film is outside of the mouth. These X-rays are very helpful in showing not only the teeth, but also the parts such as jaw and skull. These X-rays are especially used for checking the growth and development of teeth, status of the impacted teeth, examining the bones of the teeth and also to check the relation between jaws and teeth etc. But, these are less detailed than the intraoral X-rays. So, these X-rays can’t be used for detecting the cavities or flaws on a particular tooth. Some of the types of extra oral X-rays include, panoramic X-rays, Cone-beam computed tomography, Sialography etc.
Digital X-rays
Digital X-ray is an advanced and the very new X-ray technique used in the dental field. Here, the digital X-ray sensors or the electronic pad is used for taking the image of the teeth, instead of using the traditional photographic film. The image taken using this X-rays goes in to the computer, where it can be viewed on a screen. These images can be stored and saved as well as printed. The digital X-rays taken using this method is very helpful to make the comparison, which highlights the difference between the images and also the tiny changes can be caught earlier. These X-rays use nearly very less radiation than the conventional films. Because of this ease, many dental images are taken using the digital X-rays.
These are the various types of dental X-rays, which help in presentation of the condition of the teeth.