DENTAL professionals today are increasingly using digital dental radiographs to better detect, diagnose, treat, and monitor oral conditions and diseases.

Digital radiography is a type of X-ray imaging that uses digital X-ray sensors to replace traditional photographic X-ray film, producing enhanced computer images of teeth, gums, and other oral structures and conditions.

Digital dental images are acquired through three methods: the direct method, indirect method and semi-indirect method. The direct method uses an electronic sensor placed in the mouth to record images. The indirect technique uses an X-ray film scanner to view traditional dental X-rays as digital images. The semi-indirect digital technique combines a sensor and scanner to convert dental X-rays into digital film.

Types and uses of digital dental radiographs

Digital dental radiographs can be taken inside (intraoral) or outside (extraoral) the mouth. Intraoral X-rays, the most commonly taken dental X-ray, provide great detail and are used to detect cavities, check the status of developing teeth and monitor teeth and bone health. Extraoral X-rays do not provide the detail of intraoral X-rays and are not used to identify individual tooth problems. However, they are used to detect impacted teeth, monitor jaw growth and development, and identify potential problems between teeth, jaws and temporomandibular joints (TMJ), or other facial bones.

Types of intra-oral X-rays

• Periapical (limited) X-rays show the whole tooth from the crown to beyond the root tips to the supporting bone in one area of either the upper or lower jaw. Periapical X-rays are used to detect root structure and surrounding bone structure abnormalities. Showing bone loss around each tooth, periapical X-rays aid in treating conditions such as periodontitis, advanced gum disease, and detecting endodontic lesions (abscess).

Types of extra-oral X-rays

• Multi-slice computed tomography (MCT) shows a particular layer or “slice” of the mouth while blurring all other layers. This type of X-ray is useful for examining structures that are difficult to see clearly.

• Cephalometric projections, which show the entire head, help examine teeth in relation to a patient’s jaw and profile. Orthodontists, specialists in aligning and straightening teeth, use cephalometric projections to develop their treatment plans.

• Sialography uses a dye (radiopaque contrast agent) injected into the salivary glands to visualise them on the X-ray film. A sialography typically is used to identify salivary gland problems, such as blockages or Sjogren’s syndrome, an autoimmune disease that impedes saliva and tear production.

• Cone beam computerised tomography (CBCT) shows the body’s interior structures as a three-dimensional image. CBCT — often performed in a hospital or imaging centre, but increasingly being used in the dental office — is used to identify facial bone problems, such as tumours or fractures. CT scans also are used to evaluate bone for dental implant placement and difficult tooth extractions to avoid possible complications during and after surgical procedures.

Safety considerations

While radiation exposure is low with digital radiographs, no one should receive more radiation than absolutely necessary. Protective lead aprons and thyroid collars should be used, especially for pregnant women, women of childbearing years, and children.

Dr Sharon Robinson’s office, The Dental Place Cosmestix Spa is located at Winchester Business Center Shop #5. You can contact us at 876 630 4710 or WhatsApp 876 441 4872. You can also get social with us on Instagram: @Dentalcosmetixspa and Facebook: DentalCosmetixspa