Not all dental X-rays are the same. Village Dental is equipped with a variety of scanning techniques, wielding this classic diagnostic tool to monitor your oral health. So, which is which? Our dentists near the East Village employ different dental X-rays at different times. Read on to learn when you might encounter each type.
Routine Exams from Our East Village Dentists
Bitewing X-Rays
Your dental checkup with our dentists near the East Village often includes bitewing X-rays. These are the ones where you bite down on a small wing-shaped device. Bitewings help us spot cavities between teeth. They also show the health of your bone, catching early signs of gum disease.
Most people need bitewing X-rays once a year. However, if you have a history of dental issues or are prone to cavities, the Village Dental team might recommend them more frequently.
Periapical X-Rays
These X-rays are also common during routine exams, focusing on one or two teeth at a time, showing the entire tooth from crown to root. They are particularly useful for identifying issues below the gum line or in the jawbone, such as abscesses or cysts.
Our East Village dentists typically use periapical X-rays when we suspect a specific problem. For instance, if you’re experiencing unexplained tooth pain, this X-ray can help pinpoint the cause.
Pre-Restoration X-Rays
Panoramic X-Rays
Before getting restorative dentistry—tooth crowns, dental implants, or bridges—our dentists near the East Village take a panoramic X-ray. This type of X-ray provides a broad view of your entire mouth, including all teeth, upper and lower jaws, and even your sinuses.
Panoramic X-rays are particularly useful for detecting impacted teeth, jaw disorders, and problems that could complicate your restoration.
Cone-Beam Computed Tomography Scans
For even more detailed images, we’ll use cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). This cone-shaped X-ray provides 3D images of your teeth, soft tissues, nerve pathways, and bone.
Our East Village dentists usually reserve CBCT scans for complex cases where traditional X-rays don’t provide enough information, such as when planning implant placement and diagnosing severe dental issues.
Post-Treatment and Emergency X-Rays
Occlusal X-Rays
After you’ve had a dental procedure from a dentist near the East Village, we might take occlusal X-rays to monitor healing. These scans show the floor of your mouth and help detect any remaining issues.
Occlusal X-rays are also valuable for dental emergencies. For example, if you’ve experienced trauma to your mouth, this type of X-ray can help assess the damage and guide treatment.
Extraoral X-Rays
As the name suggests, extraoral X-rays are taken outside the mouth and focus on the jaw and skull. They are often used after orthodontic treatments or surgeries to monitor the healing process.
These X-rays help our dentists in the East Village make sure everything is aligning correctly with no complications. In emergencies, extraoral X-rays can also quickly identify fractures or dislocations in the jaw, guiding immediate treatment.
Get a Personal Explanation from Our East Village Dentists
We know some of the patients of our dentists near the East Village are apprehensive about getting scans. That’s why the team at Village Dental is always ready to answer any questions you have about dental X-rays, other specialized technology, and even our treatment techniques. Schedule an appointment today to get scanned and start improving your oral health.
