Tag: radiation exposure

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Everything You Need to Know About Dental X-Rays

Dental X-rays are an important tool for dentists to diagnose and treat dental issues. What are dental X-rays?

Dental X-rays are a type of imaging test that uses a small amount of radiation to create pictures of the teeth, bones, and soft tissues of the mouth. How do dental X-rays work?

X-rays are produced when a small amount of radiation passes through the body and is absorbed in different amounts by different types of tissue. The X-ray machine records the differences in absorption and creates an image. What can dental X-rays detect?

Dental X-rays can detect cavities, tooth decay, bone loss, and other problems. How are dental X-rays done?

Dental X-rays are usually done in the dentist’s office. The patient will be asked to bite down on a special film holder and the X-ray machine will be positioned outside the mouth. What are the different types of dental X-rays?

There are two main types of dental X-rays: intraoral and extraoral. Intraoral X-rays are taken inside the mouth and are used to detect cavities, tooth decay, and other problems. Extraoral X-rays are taken outside the mouth and are used to detect bone loss and other problems. Are dental X-rays safe?

Dental X-rays are considered safe and the amount of radiation used is very small. How often should I get dental X-rays?

The frequency of dental X-rays depends on the patient’s age, dental history, and risk of developing dental problems. Can I refuse dental X-rays?

Yes, patients can refuse dental X-rays if they have concerns about radiation exposure. Can a dental X-ray show cancer?

Yes, dental X-rays can detect signs of oral cancer. Should I have dental X-rays while pregnant?

It is generally recommended that pregnant women avoid dental X-rays unless absolutely necessary.

References

  • American Dental Association. (2020). Dental X-Rays. Retrieved from https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/x/x-rays
  • American Dental Association. (2020). Dental X-Rays: What to Expect. Retrieved from https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/x/x-rays-what-to-expect
  • American Dental Association. (2020). Dental X-Rays: Are They Safe? Retrieved from https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/x/x-rays-are-they-safe
  • American Dental Association. (2020). Dental X-Rays During Pregnancy. Retrieved from https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/p/pregnancy-and-dental-care

Keywords: dental X-rays, intraoral X-rays, extraoral X-rays, radiation exposure, oral cancer

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Everything You Need to Know About Abdominal Ultrasound

An ultrasound

is a medical imaging technique that uses sound waves to create an image of the inside of the body. It is a non-invasive procedure that is used to diagnose and monitor a variety of medical conditions. An abdominal ultrasound

is a type of ultrasound that is used to examine the organs and structures in the abdomen, such as the liver, gallbladder, spleen, pancreas, and kidneys.

An abdominal ultrasound works by sending sound waves into the abdomen. The sound waves bounce off the organs and structures in the abdomen and are then picked up by a transducer. The transducer then sends the sound waves to a computer, which creates an image of the organs and structures in the abdomen.

The difference between an abdominal and pelvic ultrasound is that a pelvic ultrasound is used to examine the organs and structures in the pelvis, such as the uterus, ovaries, and bladder. An abdominal ultrasound is used to examine the organs and structures in the abdomen.

An abdominal ultrasound can evaluate the size, shape, and position of the organs and structures in the abdomen. It can also detect any abnormalities, such as tumors, cysts, or fluid collections.

Healthcare providers perform abdominal ultrasound tests to diagnose and monitor a variety of medical conditions, such as abdominal pain, gallstones, kidney stones, and liver disease.

To prepare for an abdominal ultrasound, you should wear loose, comfortable clothing and avoid eating or drinking for several hours before the test. You may also need to drink a special solution to help improve the quality of the images.

You do not need to fast for an abdominal ultrasound. However, you should avoid eating or drinking for several hours before the test.

An abdominal ultrasound is usually done in a hospital or clinic. During the test, you will lie on your back and the technician will place a gel on your abdomen. The technician will then move a transducer over your abdomen to take the images.

An abdominal ultrasound usually takes about 30 minutes.

An abdominal ultrasound is not painful. You may feel some pressure when the transducer is moved over your abdomen, but it should not be painful.

Ultrasound scans are generally considered safe. There is no radiation involved, so there is no risk of radiation exposure.

You should know the results of an abdominal ultrasound test within a few days. Your healthcare provider will discuss the results with you.

If you have any questions about an abdominal ultrasound, you should ask your healthcare provider.

References

  • American College of Radiology. (2020). Ultrasound. Retrieved from https://www.acr.org/Patients/Imaging-Modalities/Ultrasound
  • Mayo Clinic. (2020). Abdominal ultrasound. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/abdominal-ultrasound/about/pac-20384919
  • National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2020). Ultrasound. Retrieved from https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diagnostic-tests/ultrasound

Keywords: ultrasound, abdominal ultrasound, medical imaging, transducer, abdominal pain, gallstones, kidney stones, liver disease, radiation exposure.