There are three divisions of intraoral x-rays: bite-wing, periapical, and occlusal. Bite-wing x-rays are used for crown fittings, and show teeth a section at a time. Periapical x-rays show the whole tooth from cusp to root, and are used mostly for discovery when something abnormal is suspected. Occlusal x-rays focus on bite, and display an entire arch, either upper or lower.
Extraoral x-rays are less common, since they focus on the jaw and skull. There are three divisions of extraoral x-rays as well: panoramic, tomograms, and cephalometric projections. Panoramic x-rays display the entire mouth in a single shot, which aids in diagnostics. Tomograms can focus on a microsite within the mouth, while blurring other structures that may be blocking it. Cephalometric projections are profile shots that show the teeth in relation to the jaw.
Dental x-rays are not a common feature of everyone’s dental schedule. Typically, they’re used by our expert in dental x-rays in Beverly Hills to establish a baseline of care for new patients.
Since radiation exposure is a concern, most dentists have revised down their x-ray expectations, so that qualified patients only need x-rays every 2 to 3 years.
Contact our Beverly Hills dentist for more information about dental x-rays.