Taking and Developing Dental Radiographs
When Radiographs are Necessary
A necessary radiograph is one that is used to diagnose the extent of a dental problem that your dentist already knows exists, such as a broken tooth, a cavity, or an abscess. Your dentist may also use radiographs as part of an initial or periodic oral examination. In these examinations, radiographs are used to determine whether there are problems in a beginning stage that cannot be seen merely by looking at the tooth or area.
Dentists can only see about 50% of your oral conditions without radiographs. Radiographs allow them to see, among other things, in between the teeth, at and below the margins of fillings and crowns, and the location and density of bone that supports your teeth. With this information your dentist can make a full diagnosis, treating little or hidden problems before they become really big problems. Radiographs are not considered preventative measure. However, they do allow us to diagnose and treat a problem early, thus preventing it from becoming worse.
Sometimes several radiographs need to be taken of one particular area. Radiographs are only a two-dimensional, black and white representation of a three-dimensional, colored tooth and bone. Radiographs taken from different angles give a more three-dimensional and therefore truer look at various anatomic features.
The healthier your mouth is and the more unremarkable your dental history, the fewer radiographs you will need. The more dental problems you have had, the more monitoring and therefore the more radiographs you will need. However, if your dentist does not take the radiographs, the problem will grow undetected and even more radiographs than originally advised may be necessary.
Taking and developing dental radiographs is one of the many tasks that may be assigned to a Dental Assistant.
Star of Texas Dental Assisting School is an Austin dental assisting program that teaches students this, among other tasks, that may be assigned out in the dental field.
Let us know if you have any questions about radiographs or any other Dental Assistant tasks!
