Extraoral X-Rays
Extraoral X-rays offer a broader view of the mouth, including the jaw and skull, in addition to the
teeth. Some common types of extraoral X-rays are:
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Panoramic X-rays, which display the whole mouth in a single image, enabling the dentist to
assess the position of fully erupted, emerging, and impacted teeth.
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Cephalometric ("Ceph") X-rays, which show the whole side of the head and evaluate your teeth in
relation to your jawline and profile. Orthodontists frequently use these images to determine
which teeth realignment method is most appropriate for a patient.
Are Digital X-rays Safe?
According to the American Dental Association, digital X-rays emit minimal radiation, and dental
professionals take precautions to minimize exposure throughout the process. During the X-ray
procedure at Dentist of Anaheim, you will wear a protective lead apron to reduce exposure, and we
adhere to the "ALARA" principle, aiming to keep exposure as low as reasonably achievable.