Dentists have been using dental x-ray equipment on their patient’s teeth for more than 100 years. The first “living” dental radiograph in the United States was taken by Dr. C. Edmond Kells in 1896. Dental x-ray equipment is now instrumental in the early detection of cavities, abnormal spots or masses, and bone loss. They are also important for the younger patient because they can reveal the growth of adult teeth.

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One of the biggest concerns with radiographs has always been the amount of radiation a person is exposed to, particularly in the early days. Today, however, the amount of exposure with modern dental X-ray equipment surprises many people. An mrem is used to measure units of radiation much like an inch is used to measure length. Today, on average patients are exposed to only 2 to 3 mrem yearly—as little as one-third the amount most people are exposed to from the sun, smoke detectors, appliances, and even other people!

Because a high voltage wire ran from the transformer to the dental x-ray machines requiring both the technician operating the machine and the patient to be further than one foot away from the voltage wire, one of the most important early improvements to this technology was making it shock proof. Between the small amount of radiation and safety features now in place, these important diagnostic tools are the leading reason that dentistry is as effective and efficient as it is today.

Modern dental X-ray equipment is no longer just one machine anymore. There are two categories of this dental equipment with several different types of machines in each category. These categories are intraoral where the film is inside the mouth, and extraoral when is outside of the mouth.

Intraoral are the most common types of dental radiographs used within a patient’s lifetime. They help dentists locate small cavities, bone abnormalities around the teeth, and problems with the roots of the teeth that the dentist could not see with the naked eye. The various types of intraoral radiographs include the following:

1.       Bite-wing:  show the crowns of the teeth.

2.       Periapical: show the entire tooth.

3.       FMX or full mouth radiographic survey: show every tooth from crown to root.

4.       Occlusal: show tooth development and placement.

5.       Dental Digital Radiography: images are sent electronically to the computer where they will appear on a screen or the monitor.

Extraoral x-rays, commonly known as panographic x-rays, are mainly used to monitor the growth of impacted teeth. These help to show the relationship between the jaw, teeth, and the other bones in the face. Some varieties of extraoral (outside the mouth) images include the following:

1.       Panoramic: show the entire mouth area.

2.       Tomogram: show a specific layer of anatomy.

3.       Cephalometric: provide images of the entire side of the head.

4.       Sialography: show the salivary glands.

5.       Computed tomography, or CT scan: can find tumors, fractures or problems with the bones.

Dental X-ray equipment is expensive yet vital in modern offices. Quality, up-to-date equipment makes an incredible difference in the efficiency of the dentist tools as well as in lessening the discomfort and pain of patients. A knowledgeable dental equipment company is indispensable to today’s general or cosmetic dentistry practice.

For a FREE QUOTE or more information on ordering dental equipment
that we carry, please call toll free 1-877-522-2323 

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