Dental Radiology
What is Dental Radiology?
Dental radiology is a field that studies radiologic imaging techniques used in dental practice and the images obtained with these techniques. This area, which provides diagnostic images of teeth, gums, jaw bones and surrounding tissues, helps dentists make an accurate diagnosis and create a treatment plan.
Usage Areas and Methods of Dental Radiology:
- Panoramic X-ray (Panoramic Imaging): Provides a general view of the mouth and jaw structure. It allows detailed examination of the teeth, jaw bones, sinuses, jaw joint and surrounding tissues.
- Dental X-ray (Periapical X-ray): Used to obtain a detailed image of a single tooth or tooth root area. It is important in assessing conditions such as gum disease, tooth decay or tooth root problems.
- Dental Tomography (CBCT – Cone Beam Computed Tomography): A technique that provides three-dimensional (3D) imaging. It is especially used in implant applications, dental surgery, maxillofacial surgery and evaluation of patients with complex dental problems.
- Tele-Radiography (Tele-Radiography): It is a method that provides a general image of the jaw structure and is generally used for orthodontic treatment planning.
Importance of Dental Radiology:
- Diagnosis and Treatment Planning: Dental radiology provides dentists with critical information for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning. Thanks to the images, problems in the tooth and jaw structure can be diagnosed early and appropriate treatment methods can be determined.
- Patient Safety: Radiologic imaging techniques are performed safely with minimal radiation dose. This is important for patient safety.
- Post-Treatment Follow-up: Imaging techniques help to monitor post-treatment progress and assess the patient’s recovery process.
Dental radiology is a fundamental tool in dentistry and an important part of modern dentistry. It plays a critical role in ensuring the correct diagnosis and effective treatment plan in patient care.