1. Are there any contraindications for a radiological examination?
The primary contraindication is pregnancy. A radiological examination during pregnancy should only be performed when health benefits from the examination clearly outweigh the risk of exposing the foetus to radiation. In case of an examination being performed during pregnancy, special shields protecting the foetus from radiation are used.
2. How often can digital radiographs (RVG) be taken?
Digital radiographs, similarly to other radiological examinations, should be limited to necessary cases, yet at the same time we need to be aware of the fact that modern equipment provides high quality of the examination with minimal radiation doses. Also, because it’s a digital technology, it practically eliminates the risk of a failed radiograph.
3. Is radiological diagnostics safe for children?
A diagnostic radiograph does not pose a direct threat to the child’s health, but the frequency of examination is an important factor. A minimal number of radiological examinations and the application of the latest methods for radiation dose reduction are recommended. Modern radiological devices offer special software that enables to significantly reduce the radiation and keep high image quality at the same time. Taking into account the safety of children at our Clinic, it is recommended to use digital radiography as a routine diagnostic examination, as this device is characterised by minimal harmful radiation.
4. When should a panoramic X-ray (“panorex”), and when a cephalometric X-ray be taken?
A panoramic X-ray is an image that provides a general overview of the teeth, the mandible, the maxilla and some part of the patient’s sinuses. Such X-ray should be taken at the beginning of the treatment, especially when the patient hasn’t visited a dentist for quite a while. A cephalometric X-ray is a specialist image used in diagnostics and establishing plan of the treatment of occlusal abnormalities (see -> orthodontics).
5. Why is it sometimes necessary to have additional digital radiographs/point X-rays taken despite having a recent panoramic X-ray (no older than 6 months)?
It happens because a panoramic X-ray is a general image, which provides an overview of the patient’s dentition. Point X-rays represent a significantly smaller area – usually several teeth, but in greater detail. Root canal treatment in particular requires a point X-ray before and after treatment (sometimes in the course of treatment as well). The radiographs are often taken from different angles, which allows the doctor to see all root canals in a tooth and confirm that the fillings are appropriate.
6. Can a radiological examination be performed in patients with pacemakers?
There are no contraindications for radiological examinations in patients with pacemakers. However, it needs to be borne in mind that image artefacts (distortions) can occur. This is because the metal, from which the pacemaker is made, absorbs roentgen radiation. It is not allowed to perform an MR scan in such patients, because the magnetic field can damage or destroy the pacemaker, as well as generate heat that can burn the patient.