X - Ray Mandible AP & LAT

This test is for

Male, Female

Test Preparation

Depending on the area to be imaged, you may be asked to wear a hospital gown at the time of the scan.
You may have to remove your jewelry and any metal objects which might interfere with the image.
Pregnant women should inform their doctor (and x-ray technician) as the radiations may affect the fetus. If needed, precautions can be taken to lower the radiation exposure to the fetus.

Understanding X - Ray Mandible AP & LAT

What is X - Ray Mandible AP & LAT?

An X-ray of the Mandible (jaw) is a safe and painless test to visualise the structures of the jaw bone, the temporomadibular joint (TM joint) and the surrounding soft tissues like muscles using small amount of radiation. The image is recorded on a special X-ray film. The X-ray image is black and white. Dense structures such as the bones, appear white and softer body tissues, such as the skin and muscles appear darker. The actual exposure time to radiation is usually less than a second, although the overall test may take 15-20 minutes.

What is X - Ray Mandible AP & LAT used for?

To diagnose the cause of any pain, discomfort or any difficulty in the movement of the jaw
To look for any impacted teeth (wisdom teeth)
To diagnose any suspected fractures or dislocations of the jaw
To diagnose any suspected infection, inflammation, cyst or abnormal growth (tumor) in the jaw area

Answers to Patient Concerns & Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about X - Ray Mandible AP & LAT

Frequently Asked Questions about X - Ray Mandible AP & LAT

Q. What are the drawbacks of a bone X-ray?

X-ray images give a very clear view of the bones. However, it does not provide a good visual image of the soft tissues like tendons, muscles or fat tissue under the skin. Even the bone microfractures or complicated spine injuries are not clearly visible on the X Ray images. Apart from this, it also exposes the patient to some amount of radiations but the benefit of the information gained from an X-ray image outweighs the risk of radiations.

Q. Who interprets the X-ray results?

The interpretation of an X-Ray image is carried out by a radiologist who analyses or reads the X-ray image and prepares a report of the findings which is shared with the patient.