Dental Xrays

Cephalometric Radiogragh digital xrays

Dental Xrays have been around since 1895, and are a very valuable tool to help us give you excellent dental health. At Dr. Wempe's office we use Digital Xrays.

How are Dental Xrays Used?

X-ray images, also called dental radiographs, are used by dentists and hygienists to diagnose problems in the teeth and jaws.

For adults, radiographs can:

Show areas of decay that your dentist may not be able to see with just a visual examination, such as tiny pits of decay that might occur between teeth
Find decay that is developing underneath an existing filling
Alert the dentist/hygienist to possible bone loss associated with periodontal (gum) disease
Reveal problems in the root canal, such as infection or death of the nerve
Help your dentist plan, prepare and place tooth implants, orthodontic treatments, and extractions, all provided by Dr. Wempe
Reveal other abnormalities such as cysts, cancer and changes associated with metabolic and systemic diseases (such as Paget's disease and lymphoma)

For children, radiographs are used:

To watch for decay and to monitor tooth growth and development
Dr. Wempe will use periodic dental xrays to see whether there is space in the mouth to fit all the new teeth
Whether primary teeth are being lost quickly enough to allow permanent teeth to erupt properly
Whether extra (supernumerary) teeth are developing or whether any teeth are impacted (unable to emerge through the gums)

Major problems can be prevented by catching small developmental problems early and then making accommodations.

How Often Should Your Teeth Be X-rayed?

Even though no X-ray can be considered routine, many people require X-rays on a regular basis so that their dental condition can be monitored.

Exactly how often this happens will depend on your medical and dental history and current condition. Some people may need X-rays as often as every six months. For most of our clients, at Dr. Wempe's, we try to leave dental xrays for as long as two years.

Types of Dental Xrays:

X-rays are divided into two main categories:

1. Intra-oral, which means that the X-ray film is inside the mouth.
2. Extra-oral, which means that the film is outside the mouth.

Intraoral radiographs:

Intra-oral X-rays are the most common radiographs made. If you're like most people who visit the dentist, you've had many sets of intra-oral radiographs in your life and you'll likely have many more.

Because they give a high level of detail, these are the X-rays that allow dentists to find caries, look at the tooth roots, check the health of the bony area surrounding the tooth, see the status of developing teeth, and otherwise monitor good tooth health. The various types of intraoral X-rays show different aspects of the teeth:

Digital Xrays, or radiographs are one of the newest X-ray techniques around. Once taken, the image can then be stored on the computer or printed out.

One of the great advantages of digital xrays, is that they expose you to up to 90% less radiation than traditional dental radiographs. We also save time on development, since the images appear instantly on our computer screen.

Extra-oral Radiographs:

Extra-oral X-rays are made with the film outside the mouth. If you have already been to Dr. Wempe's office, you may have already had one of these radiographs taken. Especially if your wisdom teeth were bothering you, or you were considering orthodontics, implants, or your TMJ was hurting you.

Panoramic Radiograph dental health

Panoramic radiographs show the entire mouth area - all teeth on both upper and lower jaws - on a single X-ray.

Cephalometric projections are X-rays taken of the entire side of the head. They are used to look at the teeth in relation to the jaw and the profile of the individual. Orthodontists use cephalometric projections to plan their treatments.

They will look at the entire face to determine the best way to get the teeth aligned in the right way for that particular person, according to the size of their teeth and jaws.

Photos by mikewade,
schoschie.