Major Developments Major Developments by Calendar Year

Bitewing radiography furnishes images of the crown, the top and bottom part of teeth on a single film. The photographic films that are used in this procedure give detailed information about the changes occurring by dental diseases. Bitewing radiography is usually done in a series of 4 films, which are placed on both sides of the mouth, thus examining the structures from the eye teeth, canines, etc.

As they show the crown of the tooth, bitewing X-rays are extremely helpful in determining tooth decay located in between teeth, various stages of gum disease and problems with tooth. Bitewings are also helpful for detecting a buildup of dental tartar and also bone loss due to periodontal disease. It is a quick and painless process, and the output is usually ready for the dentist to view within just a few minutes.

Steps followed while doing a dental checkup using bitewing X rays

• The patient is allowed to seat in an upright position in the dental chair.
• Patient is covered with a apron and thyroid collar.
• A film is placed into the patient’s mouth using a holding device. It is important that the patient closes his or her teeth completely in their natural bite. The film has the shape of letter T, and is placed in the interior side of the jaw.
• Once the film is in position, the operator directs the X-ray unit towards the film.
• After directing the X-ray the film from the patient’s mouth is removed. This procedure may be repeated for different areas of the mouth as required.
• Once the series of bitewing radiographs have been completed the films are sent for processing.
• The films are assessed to determine whether all areas can be visualized adequately and are sent for final documentation.

Benefits

• Dose of radiation is kept as low as possible in order to maximize diagnostic value and minimizing risk.

• Bitewing radiographs provide the dental professionals with important information that is important in the diagnosis and treatment planning for patients.

Safety precautions to be followed while using bitewing radiographs

• Low amount of radiation is used in this bitewing radiographs.
• Due to the usage of low amount of radiation there are no side effects.
• Patients should always be covered with a apron and no one else should be there in the room because the X rays are harmful.

Bitewing X-rays are an essential part of any dental care program. It is highly usefull in the diagnosis of tooth decay, periodontal diseases and gum diseases. These are widely used X-rays used comapred to other X-rays which are available.
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Dentistry is a field where technical advances happen continuously. This makes dentistry a challenging, exciting and a rewarding profession. Advancements and new technologies in dental field make dental procedures more comfortable, efficient and durable. In this article, we will discuss in this article the recent developments in dental technology.

Recent advancements in Dental Technology

Dental lasers/Diagnodent
Diagnodent is a new technology for detecting cavities early. It makes use of laser technology for identifying and detecting early signs of cavities/tooth decay. Some of the hidden cavities can be detected with the help of this tool, which sometimes x-rays might not show up in results clearly. Diagnodent enables dentists to perform treatment in its early stage.

Intra oral camera
Using intra oral camera, a clear picture of inside of the mouth is made visible to the patient. These cameras create high quality images. The images are used to give a clear state of oral health. It helps in building trust through visual communication.

Air abrasion
Air abrasion helps in removing the decayed tooth without anesthesia. Moreover, it can help remove old filling in the tooth but metallic restorations like amalgam fillings can’t be removed with the help of air abrasion.

Digital x-rays
This is one of the latest developments in dentistry. Many dentists are switching to digital x-rays, as these x-ray instruments give more accurate image and better results than traditional x-rays instruments do. Digital x-ray machines make use of digital technology rather than a film. Then the images are directly sent to the computer instead getting it developed in a dark room.

CT scans
CT scans are now used in modern dentistry. Dentists use this scan when performing implant surgery to view jawbone. This scan helps the dentists give the exact image when placing restorative devices. Sometimes, CT scans are used for the patients having impacted tooth, thus help in determining appropriate course of treatment.

Sedative dentistry
In modern dentistry, oral sedation is replacing traditional method of numbing the mouth. In this type of sedation, no needles are used. There are three types of sedation used:

• Oral sedation
• Inhalation sedation
• Intra venous (IV) sedation

Oral sedation is easily administered. It requires swallowing a pill. In inhalation sedative method, a small mask that supplies oxygen and nitrous gas is placed on the nose throughout the treatment. After the treatment is completed, nitrous oxide is turned off and just oxygen will be supplied till the patient feels completely normal.

IV sedation is given through veins. As IV sedation has quick effects, many patients prefer for this kind of sedation.

Field of dentistry has come a long way from the use of traditional and manual dental instruments to more advanced and computerized equipment. These advancements are likely to help dentists do their job more efficiently, and are equally likely to benefit people with dental issues. (more…)