Extra-Oral X-Rays
std-toothbrush-small

Las Vegas Extra-oral X-Rays

Today’s dentists have access to a number of different types of radio graphs or x-rays that they can use to assist them in forming a diagnosis and treatment plan. The type of film that is taken depends upon the reason behind it. Las Vegas dentists have access to both intro-oral and extra-oral radiography, giving them useful options in helping their patients receive the dental care that they need. Your Las Vegas dentist can provide affordable x-rays.

What Are Extra-oral X-Rays?

With an extra-oral x-ray, the film is placed outside the mouth. While this style of radio-graph provides less detail than its counterpart, it is an essential diagnostic tool for today’s dentist.

Why Are Extra-oral X-Rays Used?

This style of film is chosen over intro-oral versions when any of the following circumstances are involved:

  • Problems with TMJ (temporomandibular joint disorder) are suspected
  • Oral surgery is needed.
  • A better view of impacted teeth is needed.
  • Assistance is needed in diagnosing problematic conditions.
  • Tooth development within the existing jaw structure needs monitoring.

What Types of Extra-oral X-Rays Are There?

Each of the existing types of extra-oral x-rays is utilized for a specific purpose. Specialized equipment is needed to take each of these styles of radio-graph. Five kinds exist including:

  • Panoramic films
  • Tomograms
  • Computed tomography
  • Sialography
  • Cephalometric Projections

What Are Panoramic Films?

Designed to portray all of the teeth in both the upper and lower jaw on a single film, this style of x-ray creates a full view of the oral cavity. It is commonly utilized when wisdom tooth extraction is being considered. They are also used when the dentist needs to monitor the development of emerging teeth, particularly when braces are involved. Panoramic films are commonly taken when the presence of one or more tumors is suspected within the oral cavity.

What Are Tomograms?

Offering a focused depiction of a particular region of the mouth, tomograms are designed to provide a view of a hard-to-see area of the mouth for the purposes diagnosis. Only the targeted area is clear in the film.

What Is Computed Tomography?

Computed tomography depicts the interior of the mouth as a 3-dimensional image. Its most common use involves the diagnosis of a jaw fracture or the presence of tumors in the oral cavity. On occasion, an oral surgeon might take a CT (computed tomography) scan prior to a tooth extraction or implant treatment.

What Is Sialography?

This type of film is taken when problems exist with the salivary glands. First, a special dye (radiopaque contrast agent) is injected into the salivary glands. This enables the sialography film to portray the glands clearly.

What Are Cephalometric Projections?

Portraying the entire side of the oral cavity, cephalometric projections are taken when your Las Vegas dentist needs to examine exactly how the existing teeth fit together in the jaw. Cephalometric Projections are taken during the time that an orthodontist is creating the treatment plan for braces.

Get In Touch

(702) 655-6777

}

Our Hours

Monday – Friday: 9am – 5pm
Saturday & Sunday: Closed

Schedule a Consultation

3 + 13 =

Call Today - Se Habla Español