Use of Radiography (X-ray) in Dentistry

Dental radiographs, x-rays are the pictures of the teeth and also bones and tissues that support teeth. These x-rays are taken for finding out the problem with the teeth, jaw and mouth. X-rays show things that are not easily visible during dental examination/checkup. In this article, we will discuss the types of dental x-rays in dentistry.

Types of dental X-ray procedures
There are two types of dental X-ray procedures, namely, extra oral (X-ray film outside the mouth) and intra oral (X-ray inside the mouth)

Intra Oral X-rays
These x-rays are commonly used by dentists. Intra oral x-rays allows a dentist to find out cavities, checking the health of the bone that surrounds teeth and also the roots of the teeth.
There are different types of Intra oral x-rays showing various aspects of the teeth.

1) PR (Periapical X-rays)
This x-ray shows full tooth, from the crown till the beyond of the tooth roots in the jaw. These x-rays are used for detecting any abnormalities in the structure of the entire tooth.

2) Occlusal X-rays
These are larger and shows full development of the tooth. Moreover, it reveals the whole arch of the teeth in lower or upper jaw as needed.

3) Bitewing
These X-rays are used for checking the teeth form crown upto the end roots. These X-ray procedure is helpful in finding the decay in between the teeth, gum disease and also tooth alignment problems. Sometime. It is used for measuring bone loss due to advanced stage of gum disease known as periodontitis.

Extra oral X-rays
This shows teeth but mainly focuses on jaw and skull. Extra oral x-rays are used to look for impacted tooth, monitoring growth and development of jaw and teeth, identifying problems in teeth and jaw and temporomandibular joint or other facial bones.

There are different types of extra oral x-rays:
1) CT (Computed tomography)
Also known as CT scan that shows the interior structure of the body. CT scans are performed in radiology centers or hospitals rather than in a dental office which is used for identifying problems with facial bones like fractures and tumors. Further, it is used for evaluation of bone for placing dental implants and complicated extractions. This will help surgeon avoid complications during surgery.

2) Panoramic X-rays
These X-rays show the whole mouth area which means all the teeth in lower as well as upper jaw in a single X-ray. There is a special x-ray machine for panoramic x-rays. The main focus of these X-rays is on the position of the emerged teeth as well as emerging ones and also identifying impacted tooth.

3) Cephalometric projections
These x-rays show the whole side of the head. Cephalometric projections are used to examine the  teeth with relation to jaw and facial bones. These type of X-rays are used by orthodontists to plan their treatment.

Substance Abuse and Its Effects on Oral Health

Substance abuse is responsible for many physical and mental health issues. It even affects oral health thereby promoting other health disorders. Let's know how substance abuse affects oral health.

Illicit drugs and alcohol induce bad breath. Blockage of salivary glands is common in drug abusing individuals. Less saliva is produced within the mouth. Even smoking promotes bad breath causing difficulty for others. Saliva acts as a neutralizer for acidic foods such as soda and citrus. But, with reduced levels of saliva, the oral health gets affected. There are even chances of tooth decay and cavities. If not treated at the right time, it results in tooth loss. Individuals abusing illicit drugs are often habituated to teeth grinding in and out of sleep. This frequent habit makes the teeth to wear down. They even may get cracked. Smoking cigars and using tobacco products are responsible for tooth staining. Teeth turn to yellow and dark brown color with habitual smoking and tobacco use.

Gum diseases such as gingivitis and periodontitis are common with drug abuse. Taking illicit drugs may block the blood vessels reducing the circulation and amount of blood in teeth and gums. As a result, tooth decay, tooth fall, and rotting gums are evident. In addition, smoking and illicit drug abuse increase the risk of oral cancer. Drug abusing individuals show negligence in hygienic activities such as brushing, flossing, etc. This enhances plaque formation, tooth decay and other dental problems. Poor oral health is linked to cause several other health issues like heart diseases. So, to prevent dental problems and other health issues, it is required to quit substance abuse.

What is Root Canal Treatment

Root canal treatment is also known as endodontic therapy. Root canal treatment is done in the cases of tooth decay, to treat the infected tooth or dead pulp tissue.

Why is Root Canal Treatment Required:
Root canals are small capillaries which contain pulp tissues, that consist of blood and nerve cells. These root canals are present at the base of the root and continue till the visible part of the tooth, that is crown. These root canals are the source of nourishment to the tooth.

In case of tooth decay, the root canal is affected with bacteria, which results in death of blood and nerve cells present in the pulp tissue. Due to this, part of the tooth or whole tooth is destroyed and the pulp remains in the form of debris. This causes a lot of pain in the area. It makes the tooth sensitive to hot and cold food items. Chewing and biting also becomes difficult.

Root canal therapy helps in removal of this decayed tooth. It is a treatment to get relieved of pain. Root canal treatment involves activities such as, pulling the infected tooth, cleaning the gum and replacement of the tooth with a denture or a bridge.

Root canal treatment should be done as early as possible after identifying the problem, delaying which, may result in spreading of infection in to the jaw or adjacent parts.