Intraoral images are detailed pictures taken from inside your mouth. These images are a routine part of modern dentistry, providing a clear view of your teeth and the surrounding tissues. They are captured with a small, specialized camera and function as a diagnostic tool that helps dental professionals assess your oral health with a high degree of accuracy.
What Intraoral Images Reveal
The primary benefit of intraoral images is their ability to reveal conditions that are not visible to the naked eye. Dentists use these detailed pictures to identify issues at their earliest stages, which can lead to more effective and less invasive treatments. The high-resolution visuals can show tooth decay, including cavities forming between teeth or underneath existing fillings. They also provide a clear view of surface details like cracks, plaque buildup, and wear patterns on the enamel.
Beyond the teeth, these images are instrumental in assessing the health of your gums and underlying bone structure. They can reveal bone loss associated with periodontal (gum) disease or highlight infections and abscesses at the root of a tooth. For patients needing extensive work, such as implants or orthodontics, these images help in planning treatment with precision. A comprehensive visual record allows dentists to track the progression of issues and monitor treatment effectiveness.
The Process of Taking Intraoral Images
The procedure for capturing intraoral images is straightforward and comfortable. A dental professional will place a small, sterile sensor inside your mouth, often held in a plastic device that you gently bite on to hold it in position. The head of the x-ray machine is then positioned against your cheek to capture the image. The process is quick and painless.
Modern dentistry has largely transitioned from using traditional x-ray film to digital sensors. This technological shift provides an instantaneous picture that can be viewed on a computer screen. This allows your dentist to discuss the findings with you immediately.
Common Types of Intraoral Images
Dentists use several types of intraoral images, each designed for a specific view of your mouth. The most common is the bitewing image, which gets its name because you bite down on a wing-shaped holder. This type shows the crowns of the top and bottom teeth in one picture and is used to detect decay between the back teeth.
Another frequently used image is the periapical. This type provides a complete view of a single tooth, from its crown down to the tip of the root and the supporting bone. Periapical images are useful for diagnosing issues below the gum line, such as root infections or problems with the bone. An occlusal image is larger and captures a broad view of an entire arch of teeth, often used to monitor tooth development and placement.
Safety Considerations
A common concern for patients is the level of radiation exposure from dental x-rays. The amount of radiation used in modern dental imaging is extremely low. The exposure from a full set of dental x-rays is comparable to the amount of natural background radiation you receive over a couple of days or during a short airplane flight. This minimal exposure makes the procedure safe for most individuals.
Dental offices adhere to safety protocols to ensure patient protection, including the use of a leaded apron with a thyroid collar. The move to digital x-rays has further enhanced safety by reducing radiation levels by up to 90% compared to older film-based methods. The diagnostic information gained from these images far outweighs the minimal risk associated with the procedure.