INTRAORAL PERIAPICAL XRAY

• An intraoral X-ray is a radiograph that is taken with X-ray film placed inside the patient's mouth. This is the most common method of a dental X-ray. An intraoral X-ray provides a clear picture of the state of the patient's individual teeth, but little information about the placement of the teeth within the jaw. A periapical X-ray is a specific type of intraoral X-ray that is used to investigate the structural integrity of an individual tooth. A periapical X-ray provides an image of a tooth from the tooth's crown to the tip of its root. Periapical X-rays provide a more highly focused, finely detailed image than common bitewing X-rays that survey three-to-four teeth at a time.
  
  
  Intraoral periapical X-rays are usually used as a method of diagnosing a dental condition. They are commonly used to find the cause of a toothache, which can be due to a root, cyst or abscess. Periapical X-rays are also used in order to assess the amount of damage and bone loss that has been caused by periodontal diseases. They are also taken to assess the quality and integrity of pre-existing dental work.

  
  

  How is it done?

  A film will be placed into your mouth using a plastic film holding device which has a metal rod with an attached ring that projects out of the mouth. The operator will carefully place the film and holder into your mouth in the required position to obtain a good-quality image. You will be asked to bite firmly onto the film holding device to keep the film positioned properly and ensure that it remains stable. Some patients find biting down uncomfortable in some parts of the mouth, but it is critical to have the teeth fully closed in order to get adequate images. Your operator will work quickly and employ techniques to minimize your discomfort as much as possible. Once the film is positioned and stable, the operator will align the cone of the x-ray unit, directing it toward the film and using the ring of the film holder to help guide its position.