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

X-ray of the jaw is a procedure that is often prescribed by the attending physician to diagnose 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 characteristics of the patient's health status.

Modern technologies provide an opportunity to make 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 or dentist necessarily prescribes an 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 by the X-ray machine that shows the true cause of the pain, invisible defects and other problems that can not be seen from the outside. An X-ray 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 simply indispensable, since 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 snapshot of one tooth and surrounding tissues.

Radiography in maxillofacial and plastic surgery

The x-ray of the jaw is necessarily prescribed by the maxillofacial and plastic surgeon. This study is the first stage, which before the appointment of treatment is passed by all patients who fall for some reason to the institute 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 associated with 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 trauma

At the slightest traumas of the head, such as a slight concussion of the brain, 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 shots:

1. Orthopantogram is a complex snapshot. 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 ones.
2. Point images are a technology in which a particular portion of the jaw is viewed. A snapshot of one tooth is made for a detailed study of a specific 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. Occlusive X-ray - a method that is used to study specific areas of the jaw.

X-ray methods

In addition to the standard method of orthopanthorma (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-opaque 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-ray diagnostics, in which the matrix of the apparatus 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 safest method 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 for calculating the number of x-ray sessions of the jaw per year. 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 small 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 dose of radiation should be minimal. If the picture is taken only 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 X-ray examination during pregnancy can be strictly according to the doctor's prescription.

Contraindications to X-ray examination

Radiography by X-ray for diagnostic purposes has practically 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.