Panoramic X ray
The Panoramic x-ray or Panorex as it was initially called is considered the 'work horse' of dentistry. The Panorex is a large single x ray film that shows the entire bony structure of the teeth and the face. It covers a much wider area than a traditional intra oral film showing structures outside of their range including sinuses, temperomandibular joints as well as the position of the wisdom teeth. The panoramic x ray has the ability to scan the region of oral pharynx and surrounding tissues thereby increasing the dentist's diagnostic capabilities. The uninterrupted panoramic film is the most commonly used for obtaining clearly portrayed image of orofacial structures in dentistry. Other dental xrays include:
Bitewing x ray uses the least amount of radiation. It shows the upper and lower back teeth in a single view. They are used to detect decay between the teeth and to show how well the upper and lower teeth line up. Bitewing also indicates bone loss and the presence of severe gum disease or dental infection.
Periapical x rays show the entire supportive system of the tooth from the exposed crown to the end of the root and bones. They are used to detect dental problems below the gum line or the jaw. They also help to detect impacted teeth.
Panoramic x rays belong to the broad category of x rays called tomographs. The amount of radiation needed to expose a panoramic film is about the same as the radiation needed to expose two intra oral films. It is advised to use lead apron during panoramic x ray. In panoramic x ray, the x ray source passes around the patient and behind their head at a slight upward angle. Use of a lead apron helps in optimal prevention of the patient's body from scatter radiation of the panoramic x ray beam. Special panoramic lead aprons are available that cover both the back and front of the patient without interfering with the path of the X ray beam.
- Cysts, tumors, bone irregularities are also revealed in panoramic x ray.
- Impacted teeth that may be buried deep inside the jaw bone are shown in panoramic x ray.
- Panoramic x ray is usually taken when the wisdom teeth (third molars) are being evaluated.
- Panoramic x ray is used in dental implant surgery as it clearly reveals the possible complications in mandibular nerves.
- Panoramic x ray can also identify some not so common problems such as calcification within the carotid artery that may be indicative of a potential stroke.
- Panoramic films are especially good for forensic purposes in the identification of otherwise unrecognizable bodies after plane crashes or mishaps.
Chest x ray
Chest x-ray is a regular diagnostic test that throws light on the condition of the lungs, heart and chest wall. Chest x-ray reveals possible lung cancer, emphysema, heart failure and pnemonia. Heart irregularities and CHF may be visible on a chest x-ray. Any pleural effusions may be detected through a chest x-ray. The patient must wear loose fitting gown and remove any metal objects from clothing. In most cases, chest x-ray of frontal or posteroanterior view is taken. The patient has to take a deep breath so as to ensure a good quality chest x-ray image. There is no discomfort. Pregnant women must not undergo chest x-ray. But some conditions may not be easily diagnosed with a chest xray, such as pulmonary embolism or some cancers. In such cases, CT scan of chest is used for further clarification. Abnormal findings on chest xrays can range from pnemonia and tuberculosis to lung tumor or collapsed lung. Osteoporosis or fracture of ribs or spine can be detected.
Intra oral digital x ray
In dentistry two major types of x rays used to film the mouth - intra oral x-rays and extra oral x rays. Intra oral x-rays involve placing the x-ray film inside the mouth and extra oral x-rays place the x-ray film outside the mouth. The amount of radiation is reduced by around 80% using this technique. These x-rays allow the dentist to identify dental problems that cannot be identified with the naked eyes. Intra oral digital xrays help the dentist take a close looks at the tooth roots, study the condition of the developing tooth, scrutinize general tooth health, identify caries and check the strength of the bony region adjoining the tooth. Various types of intra oral x-rays are bite-wing x-rays, periapical x-rays and occlusal x-rays. X-ray films are substituted with electronic pad or sensors and the pictures are filmed. The x-rays fall on the pad in a similar fashion as they fall on the film and the pad or sensor transfers the image directly to the computer and a print out is taken unlike developing the x-ray film in a dark room. The main benefit of these x-rays is that they help comparison of current images to previous images without any difficulty and over the computer itself.
Bibliography / Reference
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