• A dental X-ray is essential for a correct diagnosis.tooth x-ray in famale hand image by .shock from Fotolia.com
  
  Dental radiology is a technical field of medicine that uses different types of X-ray machines for the dental practice. In modern dentistry, the X-ray machines are indispensable for a precise diagnosis, and they are useful in all the fields of dentistry, such as periodontics, orthodontics, implantology or dental surgery. In the last decade, the digital X-ray machines began to compete with the classic X-ray machines. Because of the danger caused by the repeat use of radiation, only specialists in radiology can use these machines.
  
  

When to Perform an X-Ray

• A dentist only recommends an X-ray with a specific goal. He decides the type of X-ray and the area of the oral cavity that needs it. The machines take a complete view of that area, including the teeth, the bones, and some of the soft tissues attached to the bones. The radiologist stocks the image on a film or on digital support and sends via e-mail to the clinic or gives it to the patient. On the X-ray, the dentist identifies cavities, bone problems, abnormal structures, and hidden issues, like ingrown teeth or tumors. The dentist attaches the X-ray to the patient file and keeps it there as long as possible, for future treatments, legal issues and forensic medicine.
  
  

Interpretation of X-Rays

• A well done X-ray will show dark and light areas according to the normal structures of the oral cavity and to the other structures such as bridges. Performing a perfect X-ray is a very difficult procedure. As a rule, if the X-ray shows the necessary information, the radiologist will not take another picture, even if the quality of image is not perfect. The dentist studies the X-ray and decides the diagnosis and treatment according to it. Generally, no dental treatment can be performed without an X-ray.
  
  

Precautions

• The radiology specialists who perform X-rays must protect themselves and the patients from radiation caused by the machines. Vests made from lead protect the patients. The technician takes the picture using a button from another room. A patient cannot carry more than three classic X-rays a month, and only by the prescription of the same doctor can carry another X-ray in the next six months. The digital machines are better because they need up to 5 percent less radiation than a regular X-ray machine. The rooms where the procedure takes place have sheets of lead on the walls for protecting the environment.