Singapore, with its commitment to advancing oral health, has a strong oral healthcare system that emphasizes early detection and preventive care. A huge part of this is the availability of dental imaging in the form of X-rays or radiographs and cone beam computed tomography (CT), aiding dentists in Singapore in checking and confirming dental issues. In this article, we’ll discuss what a dental X-ray is, the reasons why it is advised, and what this dental imaging can reveal.
What is a Dental X-ray?
Dental X-rays, or teeth X-rays, are a form of dental imaging that provides an in-depth view of parts of your mouth that are not visible during a regular dental checkup. Using low levels of radiation, dental X-rays capture images of the interior of your teeth and bone under the gums, which can help identify problems such as tooth decay, impacted teeth, and disease or degeneration in the jawbone.
Dental X-ray in Singapore: 2 Reasons Why They Are Advised
Dental professionals recommend dental X-rays for a variety of reasons, primarily as a preventive measure or to diagnose existing conditions.
There are usually two instances where a dentist recommends dental x-rays:
For Baseline Information
A dental X-ray in Singapore is often advised as baseline health information. If you haven’t had an X-ray before, the dentist may advise you to get one soon so that they can have a complete picture of your teeth and jaw. This not only aids in the diagnosis of any issue you may have, but also helps in the planning of treatments, like dental implants, braces, or other dental restorations. Likewise, it also serves as a baseline or reference for your oral structure so that your dentist can monitor for changes later.
As a Tool to Identify Hidden Dental Issues
If you have a dental problem (eg. pain) and the dentist needs more information to identify the cause during a checkup, they may recommend teeth X-rays because it shows issues, such as tooth decay between teeth or beneath fillings, gum disease, or infections in the jawbone. Likewise, a dental X-ray can detect impacted wisdom teeth, which is another common cause of pain.
Dental X-ray in Singapore: What To Expect
The process of getting a dental X-ray in Singapore is quick, relatively painless, and straightforward. Here’s what it typically involves:
Preparation
X-rays are generally safe, but they do involve a low level of radiation. As such, you’ll be asked to wear a lead apron and a thyroid shield to protect your body from radiation.
Positioning
Depending on the type of X-ray, your head will be positioned accordingly to get a clear image. You’ll be advised to stay still while the image is being taken.
While there are several types of dental X-rays, the common ones are the periapical and panoramic.
- A periapical x-ray gives a detailed image of 2 or 3 teeth, with the film or sensor positioned inside your mouth.
- A panoramic x-ray, on the other hand, gives a full view of all of your teeth and jaws. It requires a machine that moves to capture all of the structures, with the film or sensor outside the mouth.
- Lateral Cephalogram is a 2-D x-ray providing a side view of the head and neck, often used for orthodontic planning.
- Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) is a 3-D X-ray that offers a detailed view of the teeth, jaws, and facial structure, often used for complex dental procedures.
Taking the X-Ray
Finally, the machine now takes the images. There won’t be any discomfort, and the procedure is usually finished within a few minutes.
Dental X-ray in Singapore: What Does It Reveal?
Dental X-rays are a critical tool in the oral health diagnosis process, revealing a variety of issues that might not be visible during a standard dental examination. Some of the common findings include:
- Decay between teeth: One of the earliest signs of cavities can be spotted with an X-ray – these cavities often show as a radiolucent area or black spot.
- Partially or fully Impacted teeth: Wisdom teeth or other impacted teeth that are buried or haven’t broken through the gum line can be identified.
- Bone loss: Associated with gum disease, bone loss in the jaw can be detected, allowing for early intervention.
- Abscesses and cysts: Dental X-rays can reveal hidden abscesses or cysts in the jawbone or around the roots of the teeth, which could lead to more serious conditions if left untreated.
- Developmental abnormalities: Some anomalies in the development of teeth and jawbones are visible on X-rays.
Key Takeaways
Dental X-rays are a preventive measure that can save you from future oral health issues by detecting hidden problems early. They are integral to formulating a comprehensive dental care plan, especially for treatments like braces, dental implants, and more.
With modern advancements in dental imaging technology, the radiation exposure from dental X-rays is extremely low, making it a safe diagnostic tool. Hence, incorporating dental X-rays into your routine dental checkup in Singapore can provide a holistic view of your oral health, aiding in maintaining a healthy mouth.
References:
Dental x-rays, https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003801.htm, Accessed April 1, 2024
Dental X-rays, https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/11199-dental-x-rays Accessed April 1, 2024
Dental X-ray, https://www.healthhub.sg/a-z/diseases-and-conditions/dental_x-ray Accessed April 1, 2024
