Dental X-ray – an important part of oral health care
Specialist in the article
Revised 9/27/2024
Dental X-ray in brief
- Dental X-ray is always performed based on the need determined by the dentist.
- The imaging shows the tips of the tooth roots, the condition of the jawbones and joints, and the condition of the supporting tissues and attachments.
- The radiation doses obtained from dental X-ray examinations are low.
- With regular and timely dental X-rays, it is possible to avoid more burdensome and costly treatments.
Dental X-ray reveals oral diseases that the eye cannot detect
Many oral diseases are asymptomatic and are often not revealed by a dental check-up. Finding and treating infections is important for everyone’s general health.
The importance of dental x-rays is particularly emphasised in people with heart disease and cancer, diabetics and those undergoing joint replacement surgery, as untreated inflammation can jeopardise the success of the entire operation. X-ray examinations of frequently patched and rooted teeth are also important, as cavities between teeth and under old fillings can go unnoticed and untreated.
Diseases detected by dental X-ray imaging include
- caries, i.e. tooth decay
- periodontitis or an inflammation of connective tissue underneath the gums
- tooth root inflammations
X-ray imaging methods of teeth
The most common x-ray imaging methods used in dental care are panoramic tomography, i.e. full jaw x-ray, bite wing imaging and periapical imaging. It is always a good idea to start the treatment with a full X-ray of the jaw, which, effectively, reveals the general state of one's oral health. In this way, oral diseases can be addressed at an early stage and treatment can be targeted and dimensioned correctly, thus avoiding more demanding treatments later on.
Dental X-ray, or panoramic tomography, of the entire jaw
Panoramic tomography allows the scanning of the entire row of teeth, jaw bones and joints. Panoramic imaging provides useful information on caries, non-erupted teeth, asymptomatic dental inflammations and the condition of the jaws and sinuses, among other things.
It is a good idea to repeat the entire jaw X-ray at regular intervals based on the need determined by the dentist. In order to verify the diagnosis, our radiologists interpret all the jaw X-rays.
Bite wing description
Bite wing images are often taken during a dental check-up. The scan shows the areas under the tooth spaces and old fillings. Bite wing imaging does not image the root of the tooth.
Periapical imaging
Periapical imaging is one of the most common dental x-ray examinations. It is commonly used in the examination of caries, periodontitis and tooth root infections.
As of March 15, 2023, the polyclinic fee does not have to be paid after more than five reception visits during the calendar year. After the fifth payment, the polyclinic fee is €0 for visits for the rest of the calendar year.
If you visit our clinic and do not pay for your appointment using the available payment methods, we will send you an invoice for your appointment. The invoicing fee is EUR 5.20.
If the procedure is booked with a specialist dentist, the prices are increased by 30%.
Check out Hammas Mehiläinen's flexible payment methods
Service | Price estimate |
---|---|
Dental check-up | 54,00 € Without Kela reimbursement 84,00 € |
Dental check-up for patients with dental fear | 91,00 € Without Kela reimbursement 121,00 € |
Children and young people dental check-up Prices include the clinic fee (€33.90). Book a dental check-up for children and young people Prices 207,75–239,75 €, without Kela reimbursement 227,90–259,90 € | 207,75 € Without Kela reimbursement 227,90 € |
Dental X-ray of the teeth and jaws | Mobile Benefit 98,00 € The price with a doctor's referral after Kela compensation is €86. 109,00 € Without Kela reimbursement 118,00 € |
Tartar removal 30–45 minute appointment with a dental hygienist. Book an appointment for tartar removal Explore different payment methods Prices 130,00–183,00 €, without Kela reimbursement 138,00–195,00 € | from 130,00 € Without Kela reimbursement from 138,00 € |
Tooth jewellery application The price does not include the price of tooth jewellery. | from 68,00 € No Kela reimbursement |
Dental fillings 1–3 surfaces. Prices 94,00–262,00 €, without Kela reimbursement 104,00–285,00 € | from 94,00 € Without Kela reimbursement from 104,00 € |
Ceramic filling of the tooth 1–3 surfaces. Explore different payment methods Prices 279,00–561,00 €, without Kela reimbursement 279,00–618,00 € | from 279,00 € Without Kela reimbursement from 279,00 € |
Dental ceramic crown Laboratory costs are not included in the price estimate. Explore different payment methods Prices 616,00–798,00 € | from 616,00 € No Kela reimbursement |
Chipped tooth Prices 94,00–262,00 €, without Kela reimbursement 104,00–285,00 € | from 94,00 € Without Kela reimbursement from 104,00 € |
Tooth extraction Explore different payment methods Prices 109,00–732,00 €, without Kela reimbursement 119,00–794,00 € | from 109,00 € Without Kela reimbursement from 119,00 € |
Tooth whitening Price estimate given at the free consultation appointment. Book an appointment for a free whitening consultation Prices 101,00–455,00 € | from 101,00 € No Kela reimbursement |
Whitening consultation appointment Includes an individual price estimate for teeth whitening. Book an appointment for a whitening consultation. | Free No Kela reimbursement |
Anaesthesia Prices 38,00–39,00 €, without Kela reimbursement 41,00–42,00 € | from 38,00 € Without Kela reimbursement from 41,00 € |
Irrevocable absence Prices 74,00–96,00 € | 74,00 € No Kela reimbursement |
Initial assessment of sleep apnea Learn more about sleep apnea and book an appointment (in Finnish) | from 57,00 € Without Kela reimbursement from 84,00 € |
Bite guard Includes clinical work and the bite guard. Prices 638,00–685,00 €, without Kela reimbursement 695,00–742,00 € | 638,00 € Without Kela reimbursement 695,00 € |
Symptoms related to oral health
Aphthae
Painful and itchy ulcer on the oral mucosa.
Bad breath
Often behind the smell is a problem that needs the help of a dentist.
Bruxism or teeth grinding
Tooth damage, sore bite muscles or headaches.
Chipped tooth
A piece of a tooth or a filling has come loose. Make an appointment with your dentist.
Dental cavity
Can feel like an enmity or a toothache - or you don't feel anything special.
Dental staining
Can be caused by a number of factors, such as cavities, enamel development disorders or foods.
Gingivitis
Bleeding from the gums, bad breath, bad taste in your mouth and sore gums.
Mucosal and oral diseases
The cause of severe or persistent mouth symptoms should be investigated by a dentist.
Periodontitis
A common disease of the connective tissue underneath the gums which is caused by gingivitis.
Sensitivity
Pricking and sudden pain, often caused by cold, hot or touching the tooth.
Tartar
Is a bacterial plaque hardened by salivary minerals.
Temporomandibular disorder (TMD)
Pain and dysfunction of the jaw joints and masticatory muscles.
Tooth enamel damage
Tooth enamel damage is caused by tooth wear or problems with biting.
Toothache
Can be caused by a cavity or an inflamed tooth, as well as a partially erupted wisdom tooth.
Other related services
A dental implant replaces
Specialist dentist consultation and planning of further treatment.
Ceramic CEREC filling
More durable than conventional filling materials and a more aesthetic result.
Ceramic fillings
Modern and aesthetic ways to repair damaged teeth.
Clear aligner treatment with Invisalign aligners
Dentist consultation visit and selection of the Invisalign treatment method.
Cosmetic dental care
Can be used to alter the appearance of teeth and fix functional issues.
Dental check-up
Assessment of oral and dental health and recommendations for further treatment.
Dental check-up for children and young people
Specialist dental check-up visit for children and adolescents.
Dental cone beam imaging
Provides highly accurate three-dimensional information on dental and jaw structures.
Dental fear
Non-urgent consultation with a dentist specialized in treating patients with dental anxiety.
Dental fillings
Filling a tooth involves removing decayed tooth tissue and replacing it with a filling material.
Dental hygienist
Provides individual advice for tending to your oral health.
Dental laminates or veneers
Can be used to correct colour defects, straighten individual teeth on the dental arch without orthodontic treatment.
Dental specialists
Are dentists who are specialised in one of the disciplines of dentistry. Specialist dentist consultation.
Dental staining removal
Dental staining removal by a dental hygienist, including soda cleaning.
Dental treatment under general anaesthesia
The most common reason for performing dental treatment under general anaesthesia is dental fear.
Dentist
Performs oral health examinations and treats oral diseases and other problems.
Dentures or false teeth
Assessment and planning of further treatment by a specialist in prosthodontics.
Emergency dental care
Emergency visit for sudden toothache, accident or other acute symptoms.
Laser teeth whitening
A gel is applied to the surface of the teeth and the effect is enhanced by light.
Massage of masticatory muscles
The massage of masticatory muscles alleviates pain in the head and jaw area.
Occlusal splints or mouth guards
Help the teeth muscles relax and protect teeth and dental structures.
Oral surgery
The examination and surgical treatment of the masticatory system and related tissues, diseases, and injuries.
Orthodontic treatment
Specialist dentist consultation to assess the need for orthodontic treatment.
Root canal treatment
The dentist treats an infected pulp of a tooth.
Tartar removal
Removal of tartar performed by a dental hygienist, including soda cleaning.
Teeth whitening
The safest and best teeth whitening is performed by a dental hygienist or dentist.
Tooth extraction
Sometimes, a tooth is in such bad condition that it cannot be saved.
Tooth jewellery application
A dental hygienist applies tooth jewellery safely and durably.
White Spot treatment
Fading or removal of tooth discolorations.
Whitening consultation (free)
The purpose of the consultation is to identify a possible need for treatment.
Wisdom tooth extraction
Wisdom teeth usually cause problems because there is not enough space for them to erupt.
Frequently asked questions about X-rays
Dental X-rays are important because many oral diseases are asymptomatic and are often not detected during a regular dental check-up. Regular and timely dental X-ray examinations can prevent oral health issues and save you from more demanding treatments.
A dental X-ray shows the tips of the roots of the teeth and the areas under them that the eye cannot see. In addition, the images show the condition of the jaw bones and jaw joints as well as the condition of the supporting tissues and attachments of the teeth.
Untreated dental infections have a detrimental effect on general health. This is why finding and treating infections is important for everyone’s general health.
Dental X-rays are particularly important in these situations:
- The person has diabetes, heart disease or cancer.
- Patients undergoing surgery, as an untreated inflammation can compromise the success of the entire operation.
- History of dental root canal treatments and fillings, as cavities in the tooth gaps and under old cavities may go unnoticed and untreated.
Dental X-ray is always performed based on the need determined by the dentist. Regular and timely dental X-ray examinations can prevent oral health issues and save you from more demanding treatments.
You do not need to prepare for an X-ray scan of your teeth separately, as the scan can be performed in conjunction with a dental check-up. However, metal jewellery and piercings should be removed before an X-ray of the teeth, as they can interfere with the image.
At Hammas Mehiläinen dental clinics, all X-ray examinations are performed by using the latest and most modern X-ray equipment. The X-rays are immediately available for the dentist to analyse. In order to verify the diagnosis, our radiologists interpret all the jaw X-rays.
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