Dental X-Rays in Nairobi
When you visit our clinic, your dentist might suggest taking a dental X-ray, even if your teeth feel perfectly fine. It’s not just a formality or an added expense, dental X-rays are a critical diagnostic tool that allow us, as dental professionals to see what’s happening beneath the surface.
What are Dental X-Rays?
Dental X-rays are diagnostic imaging tools that use a controlled amount of radiation to capture detailed images of the teeth, supporting bone structures, and surrounding soft tissues. These radiographs enable dental professionals to detect underlying issues such as interproximal caries, periodontal bone loss, impacted teeth, infections, and other conditions that are not visible during a standard clinical examination. By providing critical insights into oral health, dental X-rays play a vital role in accurate diagnosis, treatment planning, and preventive care.
Types of Dental X-Rays
We are a private health care dedicated to providing quality dental care in cosmetic, restorative, and general dentistry.
Bitewing X-rays
Bitewing X-rays are commonly used to visualize the crowns of the posterior teeth (molars and premolars) in both the upper and lower jaws simultaneously. Patients bite down on a small tab or wing-shaped device to position the film or sensor inside the mouth. These images are primarily utilized to detect interproximal (between teeth) caries, assess the fit of dental restorations, and monitor the level of alveolar bone to diagnose periodontal disease. Due to their targeted nature, bitewing X-rays are typically taken every six to twelve months during routine dental check-ups.
Periapical X-rays
Periapical X-rays provide a comprehensive view of the entire tooth, including the crown, root, and surrounding bone. This type of X-ray is essential for diagnosing problems related to the tooth root and the adjacent bone, such as abscesses, cysts, fractures, or impacted teeth. The film or sensor is placed inside the mouth close to the tooth of interest, capturing detailed images that assist in endodontic (root canal) treatments, evaluations of tooth development, and identification of any bone abnormalities.
Occlusal X-rays
Occlusal X-rays capture broad views of the floor or roof of the mouth, displaying large sections of the upper or lower jaw in a single image. These X-rays are often used to assess the development and placement of teeth, especially in children, and to locate extra teeth, retained roots, jaw fractures, or cysts. The film or sensor is placed between the teeth, and the X-ray beam is directed at a right angle to the sensor, producing a cross-sectional image useful for detecting abnormalities that other types of X-rays may miss.
Panoramic X-rays
Panoramic X-rays create a wide, two-dimensional image that captures the entire oral cavity, including all teeth, the upper and lower jaws, temporomandibular joints (TMJ), and surrounding structures. This external imaging technique involves a rotating arm that moves around the patient’s head. Panoramic X-rays are instrumental in diagnosing impacted teeth, assessing jawbone pathology, evaluating orthodontic needs, and planning for surgical procedures such as dental implants or extractions. Though less detailed than intraoral X-rays, they provide a comprehensive overview in a single image.
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The Step-by-step Guide to Dental X-rays
At Deans Dental Implants, we are committed to guiding you through each step of the dental X-rays process below, ensuring a safe, seamless and personalized experience, through our amazing and high quality dentistry.
1. Patient preparation
When a patient arrives at the dental clinic, the dental professional begins by reviewing their medical and dental history to ensure that the X-ray is appropriate and safe. The purpose of the X-ray procedure is then clearly explained to the patient to alleviate any concerns and to inform them about what to expect. Before the imaging begins, patients are asked to remove any items such as jewelry, eyeglasses, or metal accessories that could interfere with the clarity of the X-ray images. This preparation ensures that the images captured will be of the highest diagnostic quality.
2. Protective measures
To safeguard the patient from unnecessary radiation exposure, a lead apron is placed over the chest and abdomen, and a thyroid collar is positioned around the neck. These protective barriers are made of dense material designed to absorb scatter radiation, thus protecting vital organs and tissues from any potential harm during the imaging process. The use of these precautions is a standard safety protocol in dental radiography and is strictly adhered to in all professional settings.
3. Positioning
Proper positioning of the patient is crucial to obtaining clear and accurate X-ray images. Depending on the type of X-ray being performed, the dental technician or dentist will guide the patient to sit or stand in the correct posture. For intraoral X-rays, such as bitewing or periapical images, the patient may be asked to bite down on a small plastic device that holds the X-ray film or digital sensor firmly in place inside the mouth. For extraoral X-rays like panoramic images, the patient is positioned so that the machine can rotate smoothly around the head without obstruction.
4. Equipment setup
Once the patient is positioned, the dental professional carefully aligns the X-ray machine with the specific area of the mouth to be imaged. Precise alignment ensures that the X-ray beam targets the intended region, minimizing exposure to adjacent tissues. For panoramic X-rays, the equipment is programmed to rotate around the patient’s head, capturing a broad view of the oral structures in a single scan. The dental team confirms that all settings are correct before proceeding.
5. Image capture
With the patient in position and the equipment set, the technician initiates the X-ray exposure. Typically, the operator steps behind a protective barrier or leaves the room momentarily to avoid exposure to radiation. The X-ray exposure lasts only a few seconds, during which the machine emits a controlled burst of radiation that passes through the patient’s tissues and is recorded by the sensor or film. This brief duration limits radiation dose while still producing high-quality diagnostic images.
6. Image processing
If digital radiography is used, the images are instantly available on a computer monitor for immediate evaluation. This allows for quick confirmation that the images are clear and suitable for diagnostic purposes. In cases where traditional film is employed, the exposed film undergoes chemical development in a darkroom or through an automatic processor, a process that takes several minutes before the images can be reviewed.
7. Review and diagnosis
The dentist carefully examines the dental X-rays in conjunction with the clinical examination findings. This comprehensive review helps identify issues such as cavities, bone loss, infections, or impacted teeth that may not be visible during a standard oral exam. The detailed images provide essential information that informs the diagnosis, aids in treatment planning, and helps monitor the progress of ongoing dental conditions.
8. Follow-up
Following the analysis of the X-ray images, the dentist discusses the results with the patient, explaining any detected issues and recommended next steps. This may involve scheduling treatments such as fillings, root canals, or extractions, arranging for further imaging if necessary, or simply advising regular monitoring during future dental visits. Clear communication ensures that patients understand their oral health status and are engaged in decisions regarding their care.
Safety measures and precautions
Dental x-rays involve minimal exposure to radiations. If done in an unprofessional way, it could pose health hazards on the patients and the x-rays administrator. We are committed to providing safe and effective procedures that do not endanger our esteemed patients or staff. Some of these procedures are:
- Use of lead aprons and thyroid collars – Protective garments shield vital organs and sensitive tissues, especially the thyroid gland, from scatter radiation.
- Digital radiography – Modern digital X-rays require significantly less radiation compared to traditional film, reducing patient exposure.
- Regular equipment maintenance – X-ray machines are routinely checked and calibrated to ensure minimal and precise radiation emission.
- ALARA principle – Dental professionals follow the “As Low As Reasonably Achievable” guideline, only taking X-rays when necessary and minimizing exposure time.
- Operator protection – Dental staff step behind protective barriers or leave the room during X-ray exposure to avoid radiation.
- Patient screening – Patients are asked about pregnancy or other conditions to determine if extra precautions or postponement of X-rays is needed.
- Proper positioning – Ensuring correct patient positioning helps target the X-ray beam precisely, limiting exposure to surrounding tissues.
If you are in need of high-quality, professional and friendly dental care, look no further than our clinic.
Yes, dental X-rays are considered very safe. They use a minimal amount of radiation, and modern digital X-ray systems reduce exposure even further. Protective measures like lead aprons and thyroid collars are used to safeguard sensitive areas during the procedure.
The frequency of dental X-rays depends on your individual oral health, risk factors, and age. For most patients, bitewing X-rays are taken every 6 to 12 months during routine dental check-ups, while panoramic or other specialized X-rays are taken as needed.
Dental X-rays are a vital diagnostic tool but cannot detect every issue. They are excellent for identifying cavities, bone loss, infections, and impacted teeth. However, some soft tissue problems or early-stage diseases may require additional diagnostic methods.
Yes, dental X-rays are safe for children and are important for monitoring their oral development. The dosage is carefully controlled and protective measures are always used to minimize exposure.
No, the procedure is painless. The most you might feel is slight discomfort from holding the sensor or film in your mouth during intraoral X-rays.
With digital X-rays, images are available immediately for review by the dentist. Traditional film X-rays take a few minutes for development before they can be analyzed.