When to take a wisdom tooth x-ray?

The article is expertly consulted by Master, Doctor Nguyen Thi Mai Anh - Doctor of Radiology - Department of Diagnostic Imaging and Nuclear Medicine - Vinmec Times City International General Hospital.

The wisdom tooth x-ray will help the dentist understand the structure of the jaw, the condition of the teeth, the position and the growth of the wisdom teeth, thereby offering the most suitable treatment methods for you.

Wisdom teeth are teeth located at the end of the jaw, wisdom teeth usually grow last, causing pain in people aged 17-25 years old. Usually adults will have 4 wisdom teeth, some people may have fewer or none.
Because wisdom teeth grow behind other permanent teeth, and when the jawbone has fully developed and stabilized, when they grow, they lack space, have to push and affect other teeth.

Dental X-ray plays a very important role in diagnosing and giving the most accurate and effective treatment plan for dental disease.
That's one of the reasons, dentists often order x-rays of wisdom teeth before proceeding with treatment.
Before the preliminary examination, the doctor will appoint an X-ray of the teeth with people who do not have dental films to have pictures of the overview of the jawbone and the initial teeth. Based on this image, the doctor will combine with the general external examination to determine the growth direction, the growth position or the lesions that the teeth are experiencing and make an accurate diagnosis.
In addition to the wisdom tooth x-ray, after a general examination, depending on your current condition, you will receive an order from your doctor about performing other tests and imaging requirements. .
Besides wisdom tooth extraction, dental X-ray is also indicated as an important factor in orthodontic treatment and other dental procedures to limit the risks that may be encountered.

Dental x-rays, like other X-rays, should be spaced about 3-5 months apart.
Before the scan you do not need to prepare anything, however, if you are pregnant, you need to inform your doctor. Based on the current health status and the difficulty of the procedure, the doctor will decide whether or not it is necessary to take a dental x-ray. Because X-rays have bad effects on human health, especially mother and fetus. In case of force majeure, the doctor will cover the abdomen with a lead apron, the lead apron will help prevent X-rays from affecting the fetus.

Taking a wisdom tooth x-ray is not as painful or dangerous as you think, instead of taking a regular photo, your entire teeth will be on a film after just a few quick manipulations of the technician. Therefore, you do not need to worry too much when you receive an x-ray of wisdom teeth from your doctor.
Hope that the above information has equipped you with useful knowledge around the issue of wisdom teeth x-rays. Wish you have a bright smile with strong teeth.
Master, Doctor Nguyen Thi Mai Anh has nearly 10 years of experience in the field of diagnostic imaging, especially in imaging breast and thyroid cancer. Received formal training at Thai Binh Medical University and specialized postgraduate training at Hanoi Medical University. Currently, the doctor is a radiologist at Vinmec Times City International General Hospital.
At Vinmec International General Hospital, all dental services are performed according to strict infection control standards, ensuring maximum safety and hygiene for customers. Highly qualified doctors have performed many successful wisdom tooth extractions from the simplest to the most complex ones.
In addition, Vinmec provides general dental services (examination, endodontic treatment, cosmetic dental fillings, lip contouring, cyst cutting...) and specialized services such as orthodontics, cosmetic dental restorations. Cosmetics, implant placement is done in a modern operating room and absolutely sterile.