Name of the Procedure:

Intraoral-Periapical - Each Additional Film (D0230)

Common name(s): Dental X-ray, Periapical Radiograph
Technical or medical terms: Intraoral Periapical Radiograph, Additional Film

Summary

An intraoral-periapical X-ray is a type of dental X-ray taken inside the mouth. It captures detailed images of individual teeth and the surrounding bone structure. The procedure adheres to adding an extra film to the initial X-rays for greater diagnostic clarity.

Purpose

Addresses: Dental issues like cavities, infections, bone loss, or abnormalities in teeth alignment.
Goals/Expected outcomes: To identify dental problems that aren't visible in a routine dental exam. Helps in diagnosing, monitoring, and planning treatment for dental conditions.

Indications

Symptoms/Conditions: Persistent toothache, visible oral abnormalities, dental trauma, gum disease, unexplained oral pain.
Patient criteria: Patients exhibiting symptoms indicative of potential dental issues, especially those needing detailed imaging for accurate diagnosis.

Preparation

Pre-procedure instructions: Generally, no special preparation is required. Inform your dentist if you are pregnant.
Diagnostic tests/assessments: A clinical examination of the oral cavity by the dentist.

Procedure Description

1. Patient preparation: You will be seated in a dental chair, and a lead apron might be placed over your torso to protect from radiation.
2. X-ray film placement: The dentist or technician will position a small X-ray film or digital sensor inside your mouth, near the area to be examined.
3. Imaging: An X-ray machine will be positioned outside your mouth, aiming at the film or sensor. You may be asked to bite down gently to hold the film in place.
4. Exposure: The X-ray machine will be activated briefly to capture the image.
5. Additional film: The process is repeated for each additional film needed. Tools/Equipment: X-ray machine, intraoral film or digital sensor, lead apron.
   Anesthesia/Sedation: Typically not needed.

Duration

The entire procedure, including extra films, usually takes about 5 to 10 minutes.

Setting

Performed in a dentist’s office.

Personnel

Involved Professionals: Dentist or dental hygienist, possibly an X-ray technician.

Risks and Complications

Common risks: Minimal exposure to radiation. Rare risks/Complications: In rare cases, injury to soft tissues inside the mouth from the film or sensor.

Benefits

Expected benefits: Provides detailed images for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning, helping in early detection of dental issues. Realization timeframe: Immediate, as images are processed quickly.

Recovery

Post-procedure care: None typically required. Recovery time: Immediate. Restrictions/Follow-up: Follow-up as advised by the dentist for treatment if abnormalities are found.

Alternatives

Other treatment options: Panoramic X-rays, Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), visual examination. Pros and cons: Panoramic X-rays cover the entire mouth but with less detail; CBCT provides a 3D view but is more expensive and potentially more radiation.

Patient Experience

During the procedure: You might feel slight discomfort from holding the film or sensor in your mouth, especially if you have a sensitive gag reflex. The machine doesn't touch you, and the image capture is very quick. After the procedure: You should feel normal immediately afterward.