What is a dental x-ray (radiograph)?
A dental x-ray (radiograph) is an imaging technique that uses small doses of radiation to capture internal images of teeth, bone, and surrounding tissues, helping dentists diagnose decay, infections, and jaw abnormalities.
Dental radiographs are images produced using low-dose radiation to reveal the internal structure of teeth and the bone around them. Dentists in Ghana use x-rays as a key diagnostic tool because many dental problems, such as cavities between teeth, bone loss, and root infections, cannot be seen during a visual examination alone.
Three types of radiographs are standard in Ghanaian dental clinics:
- Bitewing x-rays: Capture the crown (upper part) of both upper and lower teeth in one image. Dentists use these to spot decay between teeth and assess bone levels, making them the most common type for routine check-ups.
- Periapical x-rays: Show the entire tooth from crown to root tip and the bone around the root. These diagnose infections at the root tip (abscesses), trauma, cysts, and issues requiring root canal treatment.
- Panoramic x-rays (OPG): Provide a broad, single image of all teeth, the upper and lower jaws, and the temporomandibular joints. Dentists order these to assess overall jaw structure, plan orthodontics, evaluate impacted teeth, or screen for large lesions or fractures.
Most general dentistry providers in Ghana keep x-ray equipment on-site. Regular radiographs, spaced appropriately by clinical need, are part of standard preventive care and treatment planning.