X-ray of the jaw: testimony, where to do, description of the procedure

The X-ray of the jaw is a procedure that oftenis appointed by the attending physician for the diagnosis of a particular disease. This picture will allow to diagnose in more detail various problems of the head, teeth, connective tissues and jaw as a whole. Such a study is prescribed not only by dentists, but also by maxillofacial and plastic surgeons, as well as other narrowly specialized specialists. The x-ray of the jaw, made before and after treatment, can be used throughout life as a document that provides exhaustive information about the features of the patient's health status.

Modern technologies provide an opportunitymake an X-ray without harm to the body. Some types of such diagnostics are not contraindicated even to children and pregnant women. The newest methods of conducting X-ray studies allow the procedure to be performed in less than 30 seconds and have practically no harmful radiation.

Radiography in dentistry

Before starting treatment, any orthodontist orthe dentist always prescribes the x-ray of the jaw, since without it it is simply impossible to obtain exhaustive information about the condition of the teeth. It is the diagnosis of the X-ray apparatus that shows the true cause of the pain, invisible defects and other problems that can not be seen from the outside. A radiographic examination will show the presence of cysts, connective tissue disorders, abscess, osteomyelitis or cracks in the jaw. It is also indispensable for the installation of dental implants. The study allows you to find out how well the implant or jaw prosthesis has taken root. The orthodontist will also prescribe an X-ray before installing a tooth repair system to see a complete picture of the patient's condition. With this diagnosis, the smallest details are visible, which show the structure of the upper and lower jaw. From the pictures the doctor receives important information, which will be useful to him in the process of diagnosis and treatment.

In pediatric dentistry, the x-ray of the jaw is simpleis indispensable, because the picture clearly shows the reasons for which there may be delays in erupting of molars, peculiarities of bite. In most dental clinics, a modern digital X-ray is used that allows you to take a snapshot of the jaw as a whole, as well as a point shot of one tooth and surrounding tissues.

Radiography in maxillofacial and plastic surgery

X-rays of the jaw must be prescribedmaxillofacial and plastic surgeon. This study is the first stage, which before the appointment of treatment is performed by all patients who, for whatever reason, fall into the institution of maxillofacial surgery. It can be an urgent operation aimed at helping with complex injuries. Also, when performing operations to improve the appearance of plastic surgeons will appoint a full X-ray examination of the jaw and head. The Institute of Maxillofacial Surgery is equipped with modern high-tech devices. Here patients can undergo a complete examination if they have problems related to dentistry. One such survey is a digital X-ray. It is this method of diagnostics that is the least safe in the case when pictures need to be made repeatedly due to surgical intervention.

X-ray of the jaw with head injury

At the slightest head injuries, such as a lungconcussion, not to mention more serious problems, the x-ray of the jaw is necessarily prescribed. Very often even minor head injuries can cause cracks in the bones and teeth. At impacts or concussions the temporomandibular joint most often suffers. In time, an unrecognized trauma can become a serious problem, which in the absence of timely diagnosis and treatment will cause inconvenience all life.

Types of X-rays

Types of X-rays differ depending on what is the purpose of the study. There are two types of jaw pictures:

1. Ortopantogram is a complex image. With the help of it you can see the jaw completely, including the wisdom teeth, which have not yet been cut, the maxillary sinuses and the temporomandibular joint. Such a picture will show where the cracks, cyst or fracture are located, and also help to correlate the overall picture before and after treatment, compare how the teeth of the lower jaw relative to the upper teeth.
2. Point images are a technology in whichany specific portion of the jaw is considered. A snapshot of one tooth is made for a detailed study of a particular problem. The so-called "sighting" images are taken after a common orthopantogram. You can also make a separate x-ray of the upper jaw and lower.

Methods of diagnosis by X-ray

X-ray images are examined in two different ways:

1. Interproximal X-ray shows the marginal parts of the jaw. Such a study effectively helps to detect the problem of hidden caries and pathologies of wisdom teeth.
2. Occlusion X-ray - a method that is used to study specific areas of the jaw.

X-ray methods

In addition to the standard method of conductingorthopanthorma (jaw entire image), there is also a dot effect of the X-ray on the tooth. With this method, the X-ray film wrapped in a dense light-tight paper is placed behind the tooth. With the help of a special X-ray tube, one specific tooth is radiographed.

• Radiovisiography is one of the methods of X-raydiagnostics, in which the matrix of the device itself is located directly at a particular tooth. This modern form of digital X-ray allows the doctor to obtain a picture in high resolution directly on the computer monitor and study it in detail. This method is one of the safest. However, it is not used in all clinics, since this technology is expensive.
• CT (computed tomography) is the safestmethod of translucence. It is recommended to use it when necessary for children and pregnant women. The procedure does not take more than 30 seconds. At the same time, an x-ray of the lower jaw, upper jaw and the area adjacent to them will be made.

How often can X-rays be done without harm to health?

There are established standards by whichthe number of X-ray sessions of the jaw per year is calculated. The maximum value for an adult reaches 1000 microsievert. For pregnant women and children this number is halved. This indicator determines the degree of irradiation in routine examinations, but with active treatment a slight excess of the indicated dose of radiation is allowed. Limitations can be translated into the number of pictures:

• Ortopantogram - up to 40 images.
• Digital X-ray method - up to 80 images.
• Radiovisiograph - up to 100 pictures.

X-ray of the jaw to children and pregnant women

For children and pregnant women, the radiation doseshould be minimal. If the picture is taken once, then it can be performed on an ordinary X-ray machine. However, if it is possible to conduct a digital survey, then this will be the optimal and effective solution. Pregnant women are recommended to use CT (computer tomography) method, since it practically does not have harmful radiation and is safe for the child. However, it is not necessary to resort to X-rays during pregnancy without good reasons. Even the most harmless method still has a negative effect on the fetus, therefore, in the absence of an acute need for examination, it is recommended to postpone. Carry out an X-ray examination during pregnancy can be strictly according to the doctor's prescription.

Contraindications to X-ray examination

Radiation X-ray for diagnostic purposespractically has no contraindications. The only contraindications (with the exception of pregnancy) are severe bleeding of the oral cavity and finding the patient in a serious or unconscious state.