What Is Imaging in Dentistry & Its Safety

Dental Imaging

It is a radiographic technique. It utilizes X-ray sensors or phosphor plate sensors known as a receptor.

This technique plays an important role in the diagnosis of any dental problem. It helps in developing and implementing a cohesive and comprehensive treatment plan.

It allows the dentist to evaluate the dental health. There are many radiographic imaging options available for the diagnosis and treatment planning of patients receiving dental implants.  

Diagnostic imaging options range from standard projections and complex projections.

Standard imaging facilities are easily available in any  dental clinic. On other hand complex radiographic techniques gets available only in radiology centres, typically for safety reasons.

 

Standard Imaging 

1.     Intraoral (periapical , occlusal )
2.     Extraoral (panoramic, lateral cephalometric 

 

Complex Imaging Techniques 

1.     Conventional X-ray tomography
2.     Computed tomography (CT)
3.     Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT)

 

3 Phases of Imaging in Dentistry 

1.     Presurgical implant imaging 
2.     Surgical and intraoperative imaging 
3.     Post prosthetic implant imaging 

 

Main goals of imaging 

1.     Identify disease 
2.     Determine bone quantity
3.     Determine bone quality 
4.     Determine implant position 
5.     Determine implant orientation 

 Modalities Used in Imaging Are :

1.     Periapical radiography 
2.     Panoramic radiography 
3.     Cephalometric radiography 
4.     Tomographic radiography 
5.     3-D computed radiography 
6.     3-D Magnetic resonance imaging
7.     3-D Interactive computed tomography  

 Periapical and cephalometric radiographs are the famous tools in the field of dental imaging. 

It helps in detecting primary and secondary caries. It analyses specific anatomic characteristics and structures.

Helps  in planning surgical procedures in implantology, and diagnosing possible alterations in the bone. 

 

X-ray:  A very common modality to diagnose a dental problem. It uses radiation to get the results.  It helps the dentist to see deep beneath the gums.

Identifies carries in the bones and the roots of the teeth. Enables the doctor to see till tooth enamel. 

Need of  Dental X-Ray:  Patients who are suffering from severe toothache or having any dental related problems might need a dental X-ray.

Here are the some problems that can be detected using a dental X-ray:

1.     Decay between the teeth
2.     Changes in a root canal
3.     Bone loss
4.     Tumours or growths
5.     Infections between the tooth and gums.

 

CBCT : It stands for cone-beam computed tomography. Dental professional finds this technology beneficial in obtaining a better overall view of entire mouth, jaw, nasal, and throat areas.

The data captured creates fantastic 3D images that show bone, airway, and soft tissue in these areas.

It is capable of capturing 150-200 images in less than a minute from variety of angles.

 Dental Imaging  And Patient Safety 

How Safe Is Imaging in Dentistry : The amount of radiation which is required for patient diagnosis is minimal.

Advancement in knowledge and technology has reduced the patient exposure to radiation dramatically.

All possible  protective tactics is taken to make sure that patients are safe.

Availability  of lead aprons in all the imaging centres minimise exposure to the trunk of the body. Leaded neck collar protects the thyroid gland. 

 

X-ray and CBCT are the commoner techniques of all imaging in dentistry. The Possible amount of exposure to radiation in all the dentistry cases is minimal.

CBCT scans do use radiation, but they use much less than the normal CT scans. The  exposure time is minimal than any other CT scans.

So it can be said that It is completely safe.

 

Who Should Not Get X-Rays?

a) Pregnant women: During pregnancies X-rays is completely contraindicated until delivery happens.

This is to protect the health of the foetus inside the mother’s womb. Foetus are more susceptible to radiation problems than grown adults.

The speed at which a foetus changes at the cellular and DNA level makes X-rays particularly dangerous.

b) Children: Children may be vulnerable since they’re small, and their cells are dividing rapidly.

This is an arguable one. It is difficult to have a completely safe exposure level. In reality exposure to radiation is cumulative over lifetime. 

 

An Ounce Of Prevention Is Worth A Pound Of Cure 

These kind of problems can develop silently and lead to worse problems down the road. A simple X-ray can help in diagnosing these issues .

Dental imaging procedures are simpler, and less expensive. It helps in finding problems at earliest. 

Park Dental Clinic, Dwarka Sec-7, Delhi is the best dental clinic in Dwarka having the best dentist, orthodontist, and implantologist.

All the doctors carrying the expertise in addressing all types of dental issues and providing comprehensive treatment.

We offers a wide range of orthodontic treatments, including metal braces, ceramic braces, and clear aligners with advanced technology.

A one-stop solution for all dental-related issues like Root Canals treatments, dental implants, and braces with the most economical and budget-friendly solutions.

 

Reference:

https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/dental-imaging

https://www.dentalcare.com/en-us/ce-courses/ce512/digital-imaging-basics#

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4209425/

https://advancedperioatl.com/cbct-scan-dentist-vs-x-rays/#:~:text=CBCT%20stands%20for%20cone%2Dbeam,Teeth

https://riadental.com.au/how-safe-are-dental-x-rays-and-when-do-they-become-unsafe/#:~:text=The%20short%20answer%20is%2C%20“Yes,you%20are%20exposed%20is%20minimal.