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What can a dental x-ray show your dentist? 1 How does your dentist know when you have a cavity developing between your teeth, or a wisdom tooth beneath the gumline that isn't growing in properly? Dental x-rays provide a picture of what's happening in areas we normally cannot see. Early decay, impacted teeth, abscesses and bone loss from gum disease are all things that dental x-rays reveal. Examples of different things a dentists uses x-rays for are shown below.
Do all patients have radiographs taken every six months? 2 No. The need for X-rays is based on the dentist's assessment of your individual needs, including whether you're a new patient or a recall patient, adult or child, or pregnant. In most cases new patients require a set of full mouth X-rays to evaluate their teeth for underlying signs of periodontal disease and for future comparison. Recall patients may require X-rays to monitor their periodontal condition or their susceptibility to tooth decay. What is a "panoramic radiograph." 2 Just as a panoramic photograph allows you to see a broad vista such as the Grand Canyon, a panoramic radiograph allows your dentist to see the entire structure of your mouth in a single image. Typically, most dental patients have "periapical" or "bitewing" radiographs taken. These require patients to hold or bite down on a piece of plastic with X-ray film in the center. Bitewings typically determine the presence of decay in between teeth, while periapical X-rays show root structure, bone levels, cysts and abscesses. Why do I need both types of X-rays? 2 What's apparent through one type of X- ray often is not visible on another. The panoramic X-ray will give your dentist a general and comprehensive view of your entire mouth on a single film, which a periapical X-ray cannot show. On the other hand, periapical or bitewing X-rays show a highly-detailed image of a smaller area, making it easier to see decay or cavities between your teeth. Radiographs are not prescribed indiscriminately. Your dentist has a need for the different information that each radiograph can provide to formulate a diagnosis. Should I be concerned about exposure to radiation? 2 All health care providers are sensitive to patients' concerns about exposure to radiation. Your dentist has been trained to prescribe radiographs when they're appropriate and to tailor radiographic schedules to each patient's individual needs. By using state-of-the-art technology and by staying knowledgeable about recent advances, your dentist knows which techniques, procedures and X-ray films can minimize your exposure to radiation. What if my dental insurance plan won't pay for the additional X-ray? 2 It's wise for all patients to know the limitations or restrictions of their dental benefits plan. To control their own costs, some insurance plans limit reimbursement to a single type of radiographic survey. Occasionally they will allow coverage for additional radiographs, providing that your dentist supplies them with adequate information demonstrating why the additional radiographs are necessary. Nevertheless, X-rays should be taken based on need, regardless of whether or not they are covered by your dental benefits plan. If your dental benefits policy restricts coverage to one type of X-ray, consider writing your plan purchaser (usually someone in your Personnel or Benefits department). Your dentist can help you write this letter. Or you may want to adapt the following for your own letter. 2
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Content modified to enhance viewabiltiy Doctors Corner INternet Group, Inc. 1997-2004
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