Don’t know a periapical from a bitewing? Today’s Moorhead general dentistry blog takes a look at dental x-rays.
Panoramic
If you have ever stood in a huge camera apparatus and struggled to stay motionless while an automated camera made one slow pass around your head, then you have had a panoramic x-ray taken of your mouth. These pictures help dentists see everything in one image: the complete upper and lower jaw. These are often taken during a patient’s first visit to Designer Smiles. They are also very helpful for evaluating jaw injuries and seeing emerging teeth in children.
Bitewing
Bitewing x-rays help Dr. Harrie see what’s going on between teeth–something that is impossible with a visual exam. They also help your Moorhead dentist evaluate the jaw bone.
Periapical
These are similar to bite wings but they can get a clearer picture of the tooth roots and bone. These are often used to help diagnose absences in the root of a tooth.
Full-Mouth Series
This is a combination of periapical and bitewing x-rays that gives a comprehensive picture of all the teeth and surrounding bone structure.
If you are a patient of Designer Smiles and are worried about the safety of dental x-rays, we invite you to discuss your concerns with our high tech-oriented staff. We can explain all the precautions that we take to reduce radiation exposure and answer any questions you may have.
If you are pregnant and need a dental x-ray at Designer Smiles, it is important to let Dr. Jeff Harrie know this before x-rays are taken. X-rays are not necessarily dangerous for pregnant women, but they are often postponed until after delivery as a precaution. If you are pregnant but have a severe cosmetic dental problem, call our office right away. We can be reached at (701) 566-5063.
We hope you have learned a little bit about dental x-rays, one of Dr. Jeff Harrie’s indispensable tools in providing unsurpassed dental care in Fargo. Check back often for more information about dental health at Designer Smiles.
