40^th Asian Dental & Oral Health Conclave

Dental Radiography

Dental radiographs are generally called X-rays. Radiographs are used for many reasons: bone loss, to find hidden dental structures, cavities, malignant or/and benign masses. By a controlled burst of X-ray radiation a radiographic image is formed. This ray inserts oral structures at various levels, depending on different anatomical densities, before reaching the film or sensor. Changes in the bone density, dental caries, dental infections and the periodontal ligament, appear darker because X-rays readily penetrate these less dense structures and teeth appear lighter because less radiation penetrates them to reach the film. Dental restorations (fillings, crowns) may appear lighter or darker, depending on the density level of the material.