The aspiration for a flawless, gleaming smile, be it for cosmetic reasons or other motivations, is gaining momentum. Dental technology has made great strides in fulfilling this desire. In Ventura, two widely practiced in-office procedures are available for teeth whitening, both sharing a common goal yet distinguished by certain factors.
Most dental images are the result of employing X-ray technology, a technique that delivers the critical data essential for achieving both timely and precise diagnoses. Intraoral radiographs are an integral component of this process, entailing the use of radiographic films within the oral cavity. Multiple types of radiographs are accessible, and among them, we encounter the following.
Dental professionals commonly request this form of radiography, also recognized as dental radiography. It is highly favored for its ability to provide a complete view of the tooth, covering the tip of the root to the visible crown in the oral cavity. This radiographic image serves as an invaluable tool for assessing the tooth’s overall health and the status of nearby structures, including the adjacent bone and supporting tissues. Its applications extend to tracking the advancement of tooth decay, identifying pulp involvement, monitoring the development of infections, and ruling out fractures or periodontal diseases.
Bite-wing or interproximal radiographs, similar in size to periapical radiographs, employ a distinct technique to capture intraoral images focused on the crown portions of both upper and lower dental arches. These radiographs offer insights into a greater number of teeth. They are frequently requested to detect dental caries situated between teeth, a diagnosis that can prove challenging during a clinical examination. Additionally, they are valuable for assessing the presence and advancement of conditions affecting the supporting structures, particularly the periodontium.
Comparatively, these radiographs are slightly more substantial than periapical radiographs. The technique used to capture this intraoral image involves the patient biting onto the radiographic plate. With the aid of this radiograph, it is possible to assess the positioning of teeth that have not yet emerged in the oral cavity or those that deviate from their normal alignment.
Intraoral radiographs are just one facet of dental imaging, as there are also extraoral radiographs. Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) has emerged as a popular choice for image acquisition, providing a wealth of data through the generation of three-dimensional (3D) images in different planes. A research study, published in the Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and conducted by the academic and professional community associated with the WHO, has validated the safety of cone beam tomography, upholding strict radiation exposure safety standards for patients.
The selection of the appropriate imaging method to request is contingent on various considerations, fundamentally tied to the nature of the intended examination. Whether the objective is to ascertain tooth placement, detect periodontal issues, diagnose fractures or infections, or evaluate the effectiveness of treatments, the decision revolves around the specific diagnostic aim. It is paramount to underscore that dental X-ray procedures, as endorsed by the American Dental Association (ADA), are deemed safe due to their minimal radiation exposure, resulting in a minute risk of potential adverse consequences
This variant of intraoral imaging empowers the creation of a 3D digital file that captures the patient’s oral structure, leading to more efficient digital workflows, frequently improving precision, and reducing processing time. This innovative approach replaces the traditional process of constructing physical models from the patient’s oral impressions, ultimately enhancing patient comfort.
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