X-ray

What is an X-ray?

One of the imaging methods that can take pictures of bones and soft tissues is X-ray. The X-rays used in X-rays contain a safe amount of radiation. The images assist doctors in diagnosing a wide range of ailments and planning treatments. Common reasons for using X-rays include bone injuries, fractures, and dislocations.

Why Are X-rays Taken?

People of all ages, including babies, can have X-rays. However, if there is a possibility of being pregnant, it is necessary to inform the healthcare professional before having an X-ray, as radiation from X-rays can harm the fetus. Doctors may request X-rays for the following purposes:

• To determine if there is a broken bone
• To understand the cause of symptoms such as swelling
• To check for structural problems in bones, joints, or soft tissues
• To plan and evaluate treatments
• To conduct screenings for cancer and other diseases

What to Consider Before Having an X-ray?

Before having an X-ray, specialists obtain information about patients' medical history, allergies, and medications used. Pregnant or breastfeeding women, as well as those who think they might be pregnant, should inform their doctors before having an X-ray.

For X-rays applied to visualize patients' bones, preparation is generally not necessary. For other types of X-rays, specialists may request the following:

• Avoid using products applied to the skin, such as creams
• Do not apply perfume or deodorant
• Remove metal objects such as hairpins, necklaces, or hearing aids
• Refrain from eating or drinking a few hours before the X-ray
• Wear comfortable clothing before the X-ray

How Is an X-ray Taken?

The X-ray machine, which operates with X-rays, creates images by the X-rays hitting and returning from the body. Different tissues absorb rays differently. During the procedure, the rays are not visible, and patients do not feel anything. Solid or dense objects easily absorb radiation, appearing bright white in the image. Soft tissues do not easily absorb radiation, appearing in shades of gray on the X-ray.

Depending on the type of X-ray, specialists may ask patients to sit on a table or stand. During the X-ray, the doctor may move the body or limbs into different positions to obtain various images. However, they may ask patients to remain still during the shot. Additionally, holding breath for a few seconds may be necessary to prevent blurry images.

It may not be possible for children to remain still long enough to obtain clear images during an X-ray. Therefore, using safety belts during the X-ray may be recommended. Additionally, the protections used help keep the child still, reducing the need for retakes.

How Long Does an X-ray Take?

The duration of an X-ray varies depending on the type of X-ray applied but generally takes 1-2 minutes. If the X-ray is performed with contrast material, the shooting time can extend up to 1 hour.

Types of X-rays

Various types of X-rays are used to take pictures of different parts of the body. Some X-rays use contrast material to make the images clearer. The most commonly used types of X-rays include:

Abdominal X-ray

It is applied to visualize the internal organs in the abdominal area, including organs such as the liver, stomach, and bladder. It helps diagnose ailments such as kidney stones and bladder stones. Additionally, some types, such as barium enemas using contrast material, are used to evaluate parts of the digestive system.

Bone X-ray

Specialists apply bone X-rays for fractures and dislocations. Additionally, they are used to visualize bone cancers or

Upper Extremity X-ray

The part referred to as the upper extremity represents the arms of the body. It is used in diagnosing health problems in the arms.

Scoliosis X-ray

The X-ray taken to detect scoliosis and understand its levels is called a scoliosis X-ray.

Head X-ray

A head X-ray is used to understand conditions that may cause skull fractures, congenital anomalies, infections, pituitary tumors, foreign objects, or cranial bone defects.

Panoramic X-ray

Another type of X-ray frequently used by dentists is the panoramic X-ray. It allows both the jaw and teeth to be imaged in a single film.

Bite-Wing X-ray

Another type of X-ray used in orthodontics is the bite-wing X-ray. Bite-wing X-rays allow imaging of areas inside the mouth that cannot be seen directly. These areas include spaces between the upper and lower molars.

Kidney, Ureter, and Bladder X-ray

This X-ray, used to image the kidneys, ureters, and bladder, requires the bladder to be completely full before the scan. This allows for visualization of bladder changes as well as narrowing of the urinary tract and presence of urinary leakage.

Periapical X-ray

The X-rays taken to evaluate tooth roots are called periapical dental X-rays. In this type of X-ray, infections such as cysts and abscesses, as well as bone level, can also be assessed in addition to the tooth roots.

Cephalometric Projections

This type of X-ray, which is used to evaluate facial structures as well as jaw and tooth structure, helps in the diagnosis of orthodontic problems and also assists in treatment planning and evaluation of treatment outcomes.

Computed Tomography (CT)

CT scanning provides a detailed examination of the cross-sections of tissues and organs. The computed tomography machine is doughnut-shaped, and patients lie on a bed that slides through the device for imaging.

Contrast-Enhanced X-ray

Some X-rays use contrast material. The contrast agent can be used in liquid, powder, or pill form. Specialists give the contrast agent to the patient before the X-ray. Depending on the type of X-ray, the methods of administering contrast material include the following:

• Oral administration
• Injection, such as intravenous injection
• Enema

When the contrast agent is administered via IV injection, patients may experience redness and a feeling of warmth for a short time. Some people may feel a metallic taste in their mouths. These side effects usually go away on their own within a few minutes. This substance alters how the tissue or organ being X-rayed appears on film. This allows specialists to obtain more detailed images.

If a contrast agent is used for the X-ray, it is necessary to drink plenty of water after the procedure to help eliminate the contrast agent from the body. The possible side effects of the contrast agent include the following:

• Allergic reaction to the contrast agent
• Nausea
• Stomach cramp
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Headache

For Which Diseases is X-ray Used?

X-ray, one of the most frequently used imaging systems by healthcare professionals, is used to diagnose many different diseases. The common purposes of using X-ray include the following:

• Determining the location of swallowed objects
• Lung diseases
• Scoliosis
• Arthritis
• Digestive system problems
• Foot X-ray
• Osteoporosis
• Dental problems
• Breast cancer
• Heart enlargement
• Blockage in blood vessels
• Bone cancer

What are the Risks of X-rays?

Although radiation is used during X-ray imaging, the amount of radiation used is not harmful. Even though higher levels of radiation may be used in some types of X-rays, they do not reach harmful levels for people of all ages. However, radiation from X-rays may harm the fetus. Therefore, other imaging methods such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging or ultrasound are recommended for pregnant individuals.