Britannica
Sources used in this answer
How do dental X-rays help dentists diagnose tooth and jaw problems?
Created from Britannica articles
using AI.
AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
dentistry
The practice of dentistry involves preventing, diagnosing, and treating oral disease, as well as correcting deformities of the jaws, teeth, and oral cavity.
In the field of dentistry, oral and maxillofacial radiology utilizes X-rays as a critical diagnostic tool to identify and manage diseases or disorders affecting the mouth and jaw.1
These imaging techniques allow practitioners to visualize internal structures that are not visible during a standard clinical examination. For example, bitewing X-rays are specifically designed to capture the crowns of both the upper and lower teeth simultaneously, which is essential for detecting decay between teeth. Beyond standard imaging, dentists also employ panographic X-rays to obtain a broader view of the oral and maxillofacial region, assisting in the comprehensive assessment of jaw health and underlying pathology.21