{"id":5999,"date":"2024-10-23T03:24:01","date_gmt":"2024-10-23T01:24:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/karamousli.ch\/x-ray-technology-in-our-practice\/"},"modified":"2026-10-30T04:41:29","modified_gmt":"2026-10-30T02:41:29","slug":"x-ray-technology-in-our-practice","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/karamousli.ch\/en\/x-ray-technology-in-our-practice\/","title":{"rendered":"X-ray Technology at Our Practice"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

X-rays show what remains hidden to the naked eye during an examination: decay between the teeth, inflammation at the root tip, the condition of the jawbone or the position of wisdom teeth. At our practice in K\u00fcsnacht, we take digital X-rays in 2D and, when needed, in 3D. We only take images that are necessary for your diagnosis or treatment, and we choose the method with the lowest radiation exposure that can answer the question.<\/p>\n\n

For digital impressions and documentation, we also use an intraoral scanner, which works entirely without X-rays. We explain the difference further down and in detail in our article 3D scanning in dentistry<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n

Types of X-ray<\/h2>\n\n

Single and bitewing X-rays<\/h3>\n\n

For these small images, the image receptor is placed inside your mouth. A single X-ray shows one or a few teeth, including the root and surrounding bone, for example if inflammation at the root tip is suspected or during root canal treatment<\/a>. A bitewing X-ray shows the back teeth of the upper and lower jaw at the same time. It mainly helps to detect decay between the teeth, which is often not visible from the outside.<\/p>\n\n

For these images, we use the VistaScan digital phosphor plate system from D\u00fcrr Dental. The thin, flexible plate is scanned after the exposure, and shortly afterwards we can look at the image on screen together with you.<\/p>\n\n

Panoramic X-ray (OPG)<\/h3>\n\n

The panoramic X-ray, also called an orthopantomogram or OPG, shows all the teeth, both jaws, the jaw joints and parts of the maxillary sinuses in a single image. It provides an overview, for example during a comprehensive initial examination, before wisdom teeth are removed or in orthodontics. For fine details of individual teeth, the small images are more suitable.<\/p>\n\n

Cephalometric X-ray<\/h3>\n\n

The cephalometric X-ray is a side view of the skull. It shows how the upper and lower jaws are positioned relative to each other and how the front teeth sit in the bone. In orthodontics<\/a>, angles and distances are measured on this image. This helps with planning and, in children and adolescents, with assessing jaw growth.<\/p>\n\n

3D X-ray: cone beam computed tomography (CBCT)<\/h3>\n\n

CBCT (cone beam CT), known in German as DVT, produces a three-dimensional image of a section of the jaw. Bone, tooth roots, the nerve canal and the maxillary sinus can be viewed from all directions without overlapping structures. Because the radiation dose is higher than with 2D images, we use it selectively.<\/p>\n\n

Our unit: Orthophos SL 3D with cephalometry<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Orthophos\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button>
Orthophos SL 3D<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n

For the larger images, we use the Orthophos SL 3D from Dentsply Sirona. The unit combines three methods: panoramic X-rays (2D), three-dimensional images (CBCT) and, thanks to the additional cephalometric arm, cephalometric X-rays.<\/p>\n\n

With 3D images, the size of the imaged area can be selected. This is important for radiation protection: according to the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH), the simplest way to lower the dose of a CBCT scan is to reduce the volume imaged. We therefore only capture the area needed to answer the clinical question.<\/p>\n\n

During the scan, you bite on a small bite block while side supports keep your head still; the exposure itself takes only seconds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Control\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button>
On the touch panel we choose the type of image: panoramic (PAN), cephalometric (CEPH) or 3D.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n

When a 3D scan (CBCT) makes sense<\/h2>\n\n

A CBCT scan is not a routine examination. It is indicated when an examination and 2D images are not enough to plan treatment safely. Typical situations include:<\/p>\n\n