Dental X-ray Łódź

Pain when biting down, a planned root canal treatment, an impacted wisdom tooth, or uncertainty as to whether the condition of a single tooth explains the symptoms usually mean that simply examining the mouth is not enough. Dental X-rays allow us to see the structures hidden beneath the enamel and gums, meaning that the diagnosis is based on images rather than guesswork. In Łódź, we take periapical, panoramic and temporomandibular joint X-rays. The examination is quick, painless and requires no special preparation.

When is a dental X-ray needed?

Dental X-rays are one of the fundamental examinations in dentistry, as they reveal what cannot be seen in the mirror or during probing. At our practice in Łódź, an X-ray taken by the dentist helps to confirm a diagnosis, assess the extent of the problem and plan treatment. As X-rays pass through tissues to varying degrees, bone and tooth appear differently from areas with decay or inflammation. X-rays are useful both for sudden pain and for monitoring the condition of the teeth prior to planned treatment.

Symptoms and situations in which an X-ray aids diagnosis

We recommend having a tooth extracted when symptoms suggest a problem beneath the surface of the tooth or in the bone. The most common indications include:

• toothache when biting down or spontaneous pain,
• suspected advanced tooth decay and deep cavities,
• swelling or tenderness around the root,
• difficulties with tooth eruption, including impacted teeth,
• the need to assess the presence or absence of tooth buds and developmental abnormalities,
• the need to assess concerning pathological changes in the bone.

Dental X-rays in children can also be helpful when a dentist wishes to assess the development of the teeth and the order in which they erupt. Having the X-ray taken at an early stage reduces uncertainty, as it allows any problem to be assessed before it becomes more serious. An X-ray is also considered when symptoms do not correspond to what is visible to the naked eye, as the source of the problem may be hidden between the teeth or at the tip of a root.

Diagnosis prior to root canal treatment, extraction and dental implants

Diagnostic assessment prior to root canal treatment, extraction, a denture, an implant or orthodontic treatment requires an examination of the roots, bone and periapical tissues – that is, the area around the tip of the root. The image shows whether there is inflammation at the root apex, whether any roots from a previous tooth remain, and whether the bone conditions allow for the planning of subsequent stages. Before removing a wisdom tooth, the image helps to assess its position, and before prosthetic treatment, it allows us to check whether the selected tooth has stable anchorage in the bone. In practice, a single brief examination provides all the information needed to make a decision and plan further treatment.

Which photo should I choose to get the answer I need?

Not every X-ray answers the same question. At our clinic in Łódź, we select the type of X-ray based on the scale of the problem, as a single tooth is examined differently from the entire set of teeth or the temporomandibular joints. This approach provides a clearer picture and can reduce the need for repeat scans, which is why discussing your symptoms before the examination is so important.

A spot X-ray of a tooth when there is a problem with a single tooth

A periapical X-ray usually covers around three or four teeth and is used to assess a small area in detail. The image shows the crowns, roots, alveolar sockets and surrounding tissues, which is why this examination is suitable for cases of pain in a single tooth, monitoring root canal treatment and assessing whether a tooth can serve as an abutment for a prosthetic bridge. In microscopic endodontics – that is, root canal treatment performed under a microscope – such an image helps to verify the course of the root canals and the correctness of their filling. The small area covered by the examination is important when detail matters, rather than a general overview of the entire dental arches.

A panoramic X-ray and a pantomogram in the assessment of the entire dentition

A pantomographic X-ray, also known as a panoramic X-ray, covers all the teeth, the upper and lower jawbones, and the area around the maxillary sinuses. Patients seeking a panoramic X-ray most often require an assessment of impacted wisdom teeth, developmental abnormalities, periodontal disease, or preparation for orthodontic treatment, extractions and implants. A panoramic X-ray provides a comprehensive 2D view of the entire dentition. Compared with 3D cone-beam computed tomography, it does not show cross-sections or depth, but for many common indications it provides sufficient information to plan treatment. Such an image also makes it easier to assess the relationship between the teeth and the bone and to check whether the teeth are developing correctly.

When are X-rays of the temporomandibular joints taken?

We take X-rays of the temporomandibular joints when the problem is not limited to the teeth. The examination helps to assess the structures responsible for opening and closing the mouth, and is also carried out when a patient reports clicking sounds, restricted movement of the jaw, pain when chewing or tension around the joint. For the dentist, this is important information when planning further diagnosis and treatment, and for the patient, it provides additional insight into the possible cause of their symptoms.

What exactly does an X-ray show?

An X-ray is not used solely to confirm tooth decay. The X-ray taken at our practice in Łódź shows the relationship between the tooth, the root, the bone and the periapical tissues; it therefore supports both conservative treatment and more complex procedures. The accuracy of the image helps to distinguish between a lesion requiring treatment and one that simply needs to be monitored.

What changes can you see in the photo?

Dental X-rays allow us to assess the condition of more than just the crowns themselves. The image shows:

• cavities hidden between the teeth,
• inflammatory changes at the roots and in the periapical tissues,
• roots left behind and complications resulting from previous treatment,
• impacted teeth and absence of tooth buds,
• the maxilla, mandible and selected structures of the temporomandibular joint.

An X-ray is no substitute for an examination in the dentist’s surgery, but very often it is only when used in conjunction with one that a full picture emerges. This is particularly true of changes between the teeth and around the roots, which may not show any clear symptoms in the mouth for a long time. Combining this information allows treatment to be planned on the basis of facts, rather than symptoms alone.

What are the benefits of choosing the right photo?

Choosing the right type of test for a specific clinical question is important for the diagnosis and treatment plan. The key differences become apparent in practice:

A correctly selected image streamlines the process from symptom to treatment decision. The patient receives the information needed to make further decisions, and the risk of having to repeat tests due to an incorrectly selected image is reduced.

Is dental x-ray safe?

The safety of an X-ray examination depends on two factors. The first is whether the X-ray is clinically justified, and the second is the selection of the appropriate X-ray machine and radiation dose in accordance with clinical indications. In dentistry, it is not only the quality of the image that matters, but also compliance with radiological safety rules and the use of protective shielding; that is why, at our clinic in Łódź, we only take X-rays when the result is of clinical significance.

X-ray dose and patient comfort

A painless dental X-ray takes only a short time and does not involve any invasion of tissue. A dental X-ray usually takes just a few minutes, and the actual exposure time is even shorter. The scan parameters are selected according to clinical indications, which minimises radiation exposure and reduces the need to retake images due to poor quality. In practice, the patient is given a protective apron, and the staff adjust the examination settings to obtain a clear image with the lowest possible radiation exposure. No recovery time is required after the examination, and treatment can proceed to the next stage.

Dental X-rays during pregnancy and in children

Dental X-rays during pregnancy always require this to be disclosed before the examination, as the dentist assesses the indications and decides on the appropriate course of action. The radiation dose used in dentistry is taken into account when deciding whether to take an X-ray, even in pregnant women, provided the diagnostic benefit is clear. A similar principle applies to children. Before the examination, please always inform us if you are pregnant or suspect you might be, and state the child’s age, as this information affects how the procedure is organised. We only order an X-ray if the result will genuinely influence the treatment plan, for example when assessing tooth buds, impacted teeth or changes to the roots.

How should I prepare for the examination, and what happens during the appointment?

Preparing for a dental X-ray is simple and does not require any special diet or stopping your medication. You can eat, drink and brush your teeth as normal, and come for the examination without needing to do anything special at home. The most important thing is to remove any metal objects that could distort the image; once the X-ray has been taken, there are no restrictions on eating, drinking or your daily activities.

A step-by-step guide to an X-ray

The test consists of several short stages:

1. a statement of the purpose of the examination and the nature of the symptoms,
2. removal of jewellery, spectacles, hearing aids, earrings, removable dentures and other metal items from the face and mouth area,
3. putting on a protective lead-rubber apron,
4. positioning the patient for a spot or panoramic X-ray,
5. Taking an intraoral or extraoral photograph, depending on the chosen examination.

In a spot X-ray, a small image-capturing device is placed in the mouth and held steady against the tooth for a moment. In a panoramic X-ray, a rotating head captures the image from outside the mouth, without touching the teeth. Once the examination is complete, you can return straight away to work, school or your next dental appointment.

How do I book a dental X-ray in Łódź?

Before your appointment, it is more important to know what problem the X-ray is intended to clarify than to have the referral itself. When an X-ray forms part of a dental consultation, the dentist will determine the type of examination on the spot. If you are coming solely for diagnostic imaging, it is worth asking your dentist whether you will need a spot X-ray, a panoramic X-ray or an assessment of your temporomandibular joints. If you have been referred by another dentist, it is worth bringing their recommendation with you, as this makes it easier to choose the right examination. Taking the X-ray takes a few minutes, and a significant part of the appointment is usually spent discussing the images and deciding whether further treatment is needed. We carry out examinations from Monday to Friday between 9.00 am and 7.00 pm, so if you have a toothache or are due for root canal treatment, you can book an appointment without much advance notice.

We carry out dental X-rays when the results have a genuine impact on the decision regarding treatment. This quick, painless examination can reveal cavities, inflammation, root positions, impacted teeth and bone conditions that are not visible during a routine check-up. The results often help to finalise the treatment plan right from the outset. If you require diagnostic imaging prior to treatment or wish to investigate the cause of your symptoms, you can obtain further information at reception or via the appointment form.

Summary

Dental X-rays aid diagnosis when pain, swelling, an impacted wisdom tooth or planned treatment require an assessment of structures not visible to the naked eye. The examination helps to detect tooth decay between teeth, inflammation around the roots, impacted teeth, residual roots and changes in the bone. Spot X-rays are useful for problems with a single tooth, panoramic X-rays assess the entire dentition, and X-rays of the temporomandibular joints are used for pain and clicking in the jaw. Choosing the right type of X-ray facilitates the planning of root canal treatment, extractions, implants, prosthetics and orthodontics, and reduces the need for repeat diagnostic X-rays. At our clinic in Łódź, dental X-rays are quick, painless, carried out in accordance with radiation protection guidelines and require no special preparation other than the removal of any metal items.