X-Rays pass through your body and make an image on a special type of film or through an electronic detector. The image produced, the X-Ray photograph, is called a radiograph.
X-Rays allow the dentist to see what is happening deep inside the tooth and its roots. They will show any decay or gum disease, bone loss and, in children, how the jaw is growing.
The x-Rays films are usually placed in special holders to make sure they sit in the right place in relation to your teeth and jaws.
The following types of X-Ray films or images are used by dentists:
- A ‘bitewing’ film is gripped between your teeth. The X-Ray then shoes the areas in between the teeth, but not the roots.
- A ‘periapical’ film is placed next to the tooth and the image shows th whole of the tooth and its root.
- There are also large X-Ray images, which show all of the jaw and teeth. These are called ‘panoramic’ images. The machine that takes them moves around your head, while you stand or sit still.