Dental Imaging

Dental imaging helps the dentist detect oral issues that aren't visible in a routine dental examination. It is required before any dental procedure and aids dentists in discovering hidden oral structures, benign or malignant masses, cavities, and bone loss.

Methods of Dental Image Processing

Traditional X-rays

It is film-based dental imaging and helps to identify the disease within the skeletal structure. Dental images are made by directing an X-ray at the patient. A photograph film records the images that dentists then examine. Dental X-rays are used to identify:

• Formation of periodontal pockets.
• The density of the bone around teeth.
• Prevalence of cavities, cracks, chips, fractures.
• Tumors in the dental cavity.
• Malocclusion.
• Abscess and cyst development in the bone and gum tissues.
• Incorrect positioning of teeth.
• Impacted teeth.
• Examining the development of permanent and baby teeth in kids.

Digital X-rays

They use electronic sensors for dental imaging and provide several benefits over traditional X-rays such as:

• They cut the radiation levels by 70 percent.
• The dentist can view the photos on a computer screen.
• The photos can be enhanced, thus allowing the dentist to diagnose dental problems more efficiently and accurately. Dentists can detect tiny cracks that typically remain undetected by the conventional film.

Panoramic X-rays

It helps to create a panoramic image of the facial structure. Dental images created using panoramic X-rays have a high level of detail. They offer a clear view of the nasal region, the lower and upper jaws, mandibular nerve, as well as sinuses all in one image. They are used in:

• Diagnosis of sinusitis.
• Diagnosing patients suffering from gag reflex.
• Detection of abnormal growths in the mouth, neck, and head.
• Creating a customized treatment plan to enhance your appearance.
• Finding symptoms of oral cancer in the early stage.
• Assessing the progress of jaw disorders such as TMJ syndrome.
• Analyzing the signs of periodontal diseases such as gum and bone recession.
• Assuring proper growth of permanent teeth in kids.
• Making a treatment plan for braces, dentures, implants, and tooth extraction.

Cone Beam CT

It uses radiation to create dental images. An X-ray device set on a rotating arm creates cone-shaped beams, and a scanner gets rotated around to create high-quality, detailed images of the facial bones and dental structure.

The information collected from different views and angles is then combined to create an image. Cone Beam CT is used for:

• Analysis of teeth to plan endodontic treatments.
• Cephalometric analysis.
• Evaluation of wisdom teeth.
• Diagnostics for TMD or TMJ disorders.
• Integration with CAD/CAM devices for creating CEREC crowns.
• To assess bone density before placing implants.
• Detecting abnormal growths such as tumors and lesions.

Please reach out to Stockton Creative Dental in Stockton, CA, to have a consultation with our dentist, Dr. Rassiwala. Please call us at (209) 466-5000 or schedule an online consultation, and we’ll guide you further.