Radiology department – X-ray, RVG and CBCT
Radiology or X-ray department is an integral part of every modern dental clinic that aims to provide patients with in-house diagnostics. Dental X-rays have become an indispensable diagnostic tool for planning almost all dental examinations. Based on these images, a dentist can gain a comprehensive understanding of the oral cavity’s health condition, focus on problematic areas and plan treatment more quickly and effectively.
Dental X-rays are performed:
- during the initial examination to explain the patient’s case
- for treatment planning in various branches of dental medicine such as endodontics, oral surgery, implantology, orthodontics
- for post-treatment control after endodontic procedures and implant placement.
Is dental imaging X-ray harmful to health?
Every dental X-ray emits radiation, but the strength of radiation, more specifically, of radiation doses depend on the devices used in different dental clinics and practices. Nowadays, devices used for orthopantomography (panoramic X-rays) and CBCT (3D) imaging emit much lower radiation compared to the standard X-ray machines of the past. During imaging, lead aprons are used to minimize radiation absorption by the body.
The new generation of diagnostic devices used for dental imaging, including those used at Miličić Dent Clinic, emit minimal radiation doses and are safe for imaging, even for children.
However, pregnant women are not recommended to undergo X-ray imaging in the first trimester.
What is orthopantomography (ortopan) and when is it taken? – X-ray department
Miličić Dent Polyclinic has the most advanced equipment in X – ray department, where orthopantomography (panoramic X-ray) is taken – a 2D image of the upper and lower jaws’ teeth. It provides a panoramic view of all the teeth and is an essential diagnostic image for dental treatment planning.
Orthopantomography is one of the main tools in establishing a diagnosis because it provides dentists with a general insight into the current condition of: .
- both jaws,
- teeth,
- periodontium,
- bone,
- temporomandibular joint.
For the planning of implant or complex oral surgical procedures, more detailed insights are required, which can be obtained through RVG and CBCT imaging.
What is radiovisiography (RVG) and when is it taken? – X–ray department
Radiovisiography (RVG) is a targeted X-ray image of an individual tooth or segment. It provides a detailed view of the crown, neck, and root of the tooth, as well as the surrounding periodontal structures and alveolar bone. RVG imaging is quick, taking only a few seconds, and is used when a detailed analysis is needed for an accurate diagnosis and treatment planning. RVG imaging produces minimal radiation doses and allows for the maximum precision of image, enhanced diagnostics with increased details, contrast enhancement and colorization of structures. Also, it enables software analysis of bone density.
What is CBCT and when is it taken? – 3D X-ray
CBCT (Cone Beam Computed Tomography) imaging is a 3D X-ray image that provides a more detailed view of the jaw compared to the two-dimensional orthopantomogram.
It visualizes all three dimensions:
- height,
- width,
- bone density.
For simpler procedures, orthopantomography is sufficient, but for implant planning, an oral surgeon or implantologist needs to assess the bone density to ensure sufficient bone quality for successful implant placement while minimizing the risk of errors.
Based on this scan, CBCT allows precise software planning of implant:
- position,
- type,
- dimensions.
Based on this CBCT image, the implantologist or oral surrgery specialist can accurately plan in the software:
- the position of the future implant
- the type of implant
- the dimensions of the implant.
State-of-the-art RTG department at Miličić Dent Polyclinic
During your first visit, we will refer you to dental imaging for an accurate diagnosis. The type of imaging depends on the complexity of your specific case, and our dentists will decide whether orthopantomography, targeted tooth X-rays (RVG), or CBCT imaging is necessary.
