Dental X-ray

Radiographs can help the dentist evaluate and definitively diagnose many oral diseases and conditions. Dr. Ardekani will determine the appropriate dental x-ray based on every patient’s individual needs. There are two main types of dental dental X-rays: intraoral (inside the mouth) and extraoral (outside the mouth).

Intraoral X-rays are the most common type of dental X-ray taken. These X-rays provide a lot of details, allowing the dentist to find cavities, check the health of the roots of your teeth and bone surrounding your teeth. The dentist can also use the intraoral X-rays to check the status of developing teeth, and monitor the general health of your teeth and jawbone.

 Extraoral X-rays show teeth, but the focus of these X-rays is the jaw and skull. Extraoral X-rays are used to look for impacted teeth, monitor growth and development of the jaws in relation to the teeth, and to identify potential problems between teeth and jaws and the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) or other bones of the face.

Radiation Exposure In Dentistry ( ADA Guidlines) 

Radiation exposure associated with dentistry represents a minor contribution to the total exposure from all sources. The National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements (NCRP) has estimated that the mean effective radiation dose from all sources in the U.S. is 6.2 millisieverts (mSv) per year, with about half of this dose (i.e., 3.1 mSv) from natural sources (e.g., soil, radon) and about 3.1 mSv from man-made sources.3  About half of the man-made radiation exposure is related to CT scanning. For more on this topic please click here