Your dentist may need to take X-ray films of your teeth and jaws, sometimes on a regular basis. To look for jaw cysts, tumours and fractures or to monitor their progress. To examine the jawbones and joints prior to dental treatment.
Intraoral films are generally smaller and are used primarily for visualising teeth.
Extraoral films require a slightly higher radiation dose and are larger but accommodate the jaws in the image. For taking radiographs, you may be required to wear a lead apron to minimise radiation exposure to the rest of the body. A special precaution is to avoid taking radiographs during pregnancy unless absolutely necessary. However, doses are low because the short exposure time required for these films. The dental centre has comprehensive and new facilities for dental radiography.