Dental radiography is technique used in dental treatment to detect the affected areas in teeth, mouth and jaw by filming the area of teeth, bones and tissues surrounding them with the help of X-rays or CT scans. These pictures help in identifying the cavities, bone loss area, hidden dental structures (extra growth of teeth), cancerous or benign masses, etc.
Dental CT scans are the most widely used technological equipments in dental radiography. Dental Computed Tomography (CT) scans screen the required area in the mouth by the penetration of radiations in to the oral structures. Based on the anatomical densities of the structures present in the mouth, the radiations are absorbed and then strike back by which the image appears. The structures which are having high density absorb fewer radiations and hence appear lighter, whereas the structures having low density appear darker due to the high absorption of radiations. The oral structures with high density are teeth and bones and appear lighter. The other structures with high density are cancerous masses, dental carries, periodical ligaments, cavities, bone loss, etc. appears darker. Dental fillings and crowns may appear lighter or darker based on the density of the material filled.
CT scans are most preferred way of filming compared to other radiation technologies like X-rays, because, they provide image of high quality using very less amount of radiation. As these radiations are capable of creating side effects, these should be used appropriately. The results provided by dental CT scans are accurate and have very less probability of errors. But it is found that metal elements such as gold or amalgams used in filling may affect the final imaging of the area.
Finally it can be concluded that dental CT scan technology is the most efficient form of technology used in dental radiography.
