X-ray for the diagnosis of osteomyelitis | X-ray of the teeth

X-ray for the diagnosis of osteomyelitis

Osteomyelitis is an inflammation of the bone, which can be divided into an acute and a chronic form. It is caused by bacteria that have entered the bone through an open jaw fracture or other surgical interventions or, most frequently, through a tooth that is diseased with a pulp. In the course of the inflammation, bone resorption occurs, which can be clearly seen in the x-ray image depending on its severity.

It can be diagnosed in the X-ray image on an OPG or, on a smaller scale, on a single tooth image. Typical characteristics are new bone formation in the marginal zone towards the healthy bone and a large, darker structure of the affected bone. Osteomyelitis should not be confused on X-ray with osteosarcoma or other diseases. Additional tests should therefore be performed to confirm the diagnosis.

X-ray for dental inflammation

In case of toothache, an x-ray is very often taken to find the cause of the pain. Both caries and an inflammation of the bone around the tooth (see osteomyelitis) can be detected there. The inflamed bone appears somewhat darker than the healthy bone. Dentists also refer to this as “apical whitening”. This means that a change in the bone structure around the root (=apical) is visible.If a root canal treatment is performed and successful, the bone rebuilds and appears uniform again on x-ray after about a year.

X-raying of teeth in children

It is possible that children are x-rayed at the dentist. Reasons or indications for this are if interstitial caries or inflammation of the root apex are present. Sometimes the x-ray is the only way to determine the disease.

In addition, if the teeth are severely misaligned, the orthodontist can take a panoramic radiograph (OPG). In the childhood, all permanent teeth can be shown and information about the presence and position of the wisdom teeth can be obtained. See here: Change of teeth in children Furthermore, similar indications apply as for adults.

One should check the disease in detail and only x-ray if it is absolutely necessary. Only in this way do the advantages of X-rays outweigh the disadvantages. If possible, an X-ray should be avoided or at least a digital X-ray machine with less radiation exposure should be used.