Dental X-rays are an indispensable tool for dentists. Two-thirds of a tooth is hidden beneath the gums and cannot be seen with the naked eye. Only an X-ray makes it possible to assess structures such as the tooth roots, nerves, and inflammatory processes in the jawbone.
At our dental practice in Zurich, we use state-of-the-art technologies such as digital X-rays and 3D X-rays to guarantee you the highest standard of diagnosis and treatment. Feel free to ask your dentist for advice on when a dental X-ray is recommended.
When is a dental X-ray necessary?
A dental X-ray is always taken when the dentist needs to visualize hidden, non-visible tooth structures. This may be the case, for example, with acute toothaches or suspected inflammation around the tooth root. The condition of fillings, dental restorations, and treated root canals can also be assessed.
Dental X-rays are also an important tool in treatment planning. In particular, a panoramic X-ray allows the dentist to assess the position of the teeth and their alignment relative to one another. This enables the dentist, for example, to precisely plan wisdom tooth surgery or dental implant procedures. Prior to an implant procedure, the condition of the jawbone can be evaluated.
After treatment, another X-ray is usually taken to evaluate the success of the treatment.
Dental X-rays: What Methods Are Available?
In the dental office, we distinguish between individual dental X-rays and what is known as a panoramic X-ray, which provides a panoramic view of the entire jaw.
Dental X-rays can be taken using analog or digital methods. Digital X-rays have the advantage that the images are available immediately and can be digitally processed. Radiation exposure is significantly lower.
With 3D X-rays, we also have access to an advanced version of the classic 2D X-ray. A 3D X-ray of the teeth allows for a much more precise assessment of the finest structures. The image is taken using a device called a volume tomograph, which rotates once around the patient while capturing digital cross-sectional images of the teeth. Digital volume tomography (DVT) is also referred to as DVT X-rays.
How is a dental X-ray taken?
Before we take a dental X-ray in Zurich, your dentist will first discuss the necessity of the X-ray with you and explain its purpose. They will ask if you are pregnant, as X-rays should generally be avoided during pregnancy.
Smaller X-rays of individual teeth can be taken right at the dental chair. To do this, the dentist places a bite block in your mouth, which you secure by biting down gently. The staff will briefly leave the room while the dental X-ray is being taken. Since we use digital technology in Zurich, the image is available immediately afterward.
If a panoramic X-ray of the teeth is needed, the image is taken in a special X-ray room. You will stand upright with your head gently stabilized, resting your chin on a chin rest. The X-ray machine then rotates completely around you to capture a panoramic X-ray of your teeth. The entire procedure takes only a few minutes, and the image is available immediately.
FAQ
When an X-ray of the teeth is taken, there is always some radiation exposure. However, with modern X-ray techniques, this exposure is very low. Digital X-rays, in particular, are characterized by a reduction in radiation exposure of up to 90%. At our dental practice in Zurich, we nevertheless take care to adhere to strict safety measures to minimize radiation exposure for both patients and staff.
Depending on the technique used, the dentist can identify the individual structures of the tooth as well as the surrounding bone structures on the X-ray. This allows the dentist to assess the condition of teeth, fillings, and dental restorations. After root canal treatment, the dentist uses the X-ray to verify the success of the treatment. X-rays are also important for planning dental implants and assessing bone density.
X-rays should generally be avoided during pregnancy. This also applies to digital X-rays, despite the significantly reduced radiation exposure. Especially during the first trimester, X-rays can have a negative impact on the child’s development and should therefore be avoided at all costs.
The cost of an X-ray can vary greatly depending on the method used. Your dentist will discuss the necessity and cost with you in advance, as well as the possibility of your insurance covering the cost.