You've recently been to a new dentist and they want you to get a dental X-ray so they can inspect your oral health in more detail. Are you concerned about your test? You should not be.

Dental X-rays are commonly performed to identify various oral problems and to track down how orthodontic treatment is progressing. Some people need to get X-rays more often than others and the frequency is determined by current oral health, age, history of gum disease, and any existing symptoms of oral disease.

In the post that follows, we will dissect dental X-rays, focusing on their purpose and types, as well as the potential risks they carry. Continue reading.

What Do Dental X-rays Diagnose?

Most often dubbed X-rays, dental radiographs show images of your teeth, soft tissues, and surrounding structures that dentists employ to examine your oral health. They use extremely small doses of radiation.

X-rays pass through the body as well as most objects. The beam can be aimed at the area of interest, which is how we can get X-rays on different parts of the body. It can be done at the dentist's office if they own a radiography machine.

This is the oldest form of medical imaging and an important diagnostic tool for detecting cavities, abnormalities, abscesses, infections, cysts, impaction wisdom teeth, and other conditions of the mouth that are otherwise invisible to the naked eye.

Besides getting to find and treat dental problems early, they also help monitor bone loss and decay beneath existing fillings.

Types of Dental X-rays

The most common type of X-ray is intraoral, which can be divided into the following categories:

• Occlusal X-rays - these capture images of an entire arch of teeth in the mouth, be it the lower jaw or upper jaw; the jaws should be closed during the screening
• Bite-wing X-rays - these show the upper and lower teeth; you need to bite into a special piece of paper during the screening
• Panoramic X-ray - these rotate around your head capturing all the teeth and soft tissue, including impacted teeth and any incoming teeth. It is often required before performing wisdom tooth extraction surgery.
• Periapical X-rays - what a periapical X-ray shows are any alterations to the root and bone surrounding the tooth; they provide a detailed image of the whole tooth, from the crown to the root and beyond

With extraoral X-rays, the focus is placed on the jaw and skull. They cannot detect cavities or other similar dental problems.

Risks of X-rays

So, are dental X-rays safe? The short answer is, that they do not carry direct risks to the person having them. The levels of radiation that are used for the picture are insignificant and pose no health threat to adults or children.

Plus, the technician will wrap a collar or thyroid shield around your neck as well as a lead apron over your chest that will keep the rest of the organs safe. For some pictures, the X-ray film is placed directly in your mouth during the oral exam. For others, the film is contained within the machine itself.

Be it as it may, it’s worth noting that radiation is cumulative. It is never lost. The more radiation you are exposed to during your lifetime, the bigger risks you are running for different diseases. That’s why X-rays should not be done for no reason.

Panoramic Dental X-ray

A panoramic X-ray, or panoramic radiography, is a 2D dental examination that takes a picture of the entire mouth area and its structures, including the teeth and jaws. It exposes patients to ionising radiation but the dose is so small that it’s insignificant if performed once every few years.

A two-dimensional (2D) examination means that the X-ray image is flat. The film for the panoramic X-ray is usually kept in the machine, as opposed to conventional intraoral X-rays where the X-ray film is put inside the mouth.

Are panoramic dental x-rays necessary?

Yes, they are. Sometimes a condition cannot be examined in depth with a small X-ray, since a wider view of adjacent dental structures is necessary to do so. This is when panoramic X-rays come into play. They enable dentists to inspect tooth positioning, maxillary sinuses, wisdom tooth and supporting bone abnormalities, to name a few.

Not to mention, the diagnostic tool comes in handy when someone needs to plan treatment for dental implants, dentures, extractions, and braces.

However, this doesn’t mean that every time you need to undergo a dental X-ray, it’s going to be a panoramic one. These aren’t carried out routinely.

Is it harmful?

There is no direct harm from using an X-ray machine. Patients feel no discomfort or pain during and after the test. The dangers of panoramic dental X-rays pivot around the cumulative effect of radiation.

That is, every X-ray exam you do over your lifetime has you exposed to different levels of radiation, which increases your risk of brain tumours, parotid gland tumours, breast cancer, and other diseases.

It’s important to recognise the fact that we are exposed to radiation on a daily basis and are not even aware of it. It’s called background radiation and it’s present in the environment.

Can You Have an X-ray When Pregnant?

Pregnant women can have X-rays but most doctors would be reluctant to order the test unless absolutely necessary.

The main concern with this is that no one can say exactly how much radiation is going to get to the baby.  Even though X-rays typically don’t emit big amounts of radiation, it’s hard to predict what will happen to the foetus. High doses of radiation could lead to birth defects, miscarriages, and even cancer later in life.

Of course, with dental X-rays you are exposed to tiny amounts of radiation, making it a safe exam for pregnant women. According to both the American Pregnancy Association and the American Dental Association, the amount of radiation present in dental X-rays is not enough to cause harm to the mother or baby.

Can Children Get X-rays?

Yes, a child dental X-ray is possible and there is no harm in doing so. Most X-ray machines these days offer digital imaging. Digital radiography, or digital X-rays, are much more advanced because they employ 90% less radiation than before. Hence, they are safe for children.

X-rays allow you to see both primary teeth and permanent teeth. Because they shift over time and after certain dental procedures, the diagnostic tool helps track that movement, including emerging teeth.

Frequently Asked Questions about Dental X-Rays

As you might know, dental services in Singapore are not inexpensive especially when it comes to more complex treatments like braces, dental implants and oral surgical procedures. If you check the national average dental implant cost, for example, you will find that a single tooth replacement may cost you over $3000. Bone grafting and gum surgery can also be a bit steep.

But is it possible to obtain oral health care services without breaking the bank? Can you use Medisave for dental treatments? The short answer is yes, but there are some circumstances to pay attention to.

Here, you will learn all you need to know about Medisave, including what it is, which dental services it covers and how to use it. Just take a few minutes and read the text below.

What is Medisave and Can You Use It for Dental Treatments?

Medisave is a national medical savings scheme/ account that is managed by the CPF (Central Provident Fund) Board. The purpose of this account is to help CPF members to save for future medical expenses.

You can use your CPF Medisave account to pay for some medical treatments, outpatient expenses as well as certain dental services. But please note that it only covers specific procedures that are done due to medical reasons.

Your Medisave account is typically top-up every month by you or your employer depending on whether you are a self-employed or salaried employee. In other words, if you work for someone else, a portion of your monthly earnings will be automatically set aside for your saving plan. If have your own business, then you will need to manage it yourself.

Medisave for Dental Services: Who Is eligible for it?

You are allowed to use Medisave for dental services as long as you are a Singapore citizen or permanent resident and have a sufficient balance in your account. In case, your Medisave balance is not enough to cover the dental bill, then you can use an account of your close (immediate) family members such as parents, children, husband/ wife.

One aspect of Medisave accounts you need to be aware of is that they have spending limits. You will normally be able to withdraw just the partial cost of your treatment.

No matter how much money you have in your Medisave account, you still cannot use all of it to pay for your dental bill. There are Medisave withdrawal limits that apply to every medical procedure, and the amount you can use varies by the type of treatment you receive and your age.

What Dental Services are Covered by Medisave?

You can use your CPF savings account for dental surgical procedures, particularly for day surgeries. However, you need to make sure that you go to Medisave accredited dental clinic (it should be authorized by the Ministry of Health, Singapore).

Here is a list of the Medisave claimable dental treatments:

• Wisdom tooth surgery
• Dental implants placement
• Bone grafting
• Gum grafting and gum surgery
• Sinus lift
• Crown lengthening surgery
• Surgical removal of residual tooth roots

Medisave accounts can be very helpful since they cover some of the most expensive surgical procedures. If you check the price list at a few dental clinics in Singapore, you will probably find out that services like dental implants insertion and sinus lifts can be quite expensive. By using Medisave you can significantly reduce the total cost of your dental bill.

How Much Can I Claim From my Medisave Account for my Dental Treatments?

You can claim anywhere from $300 to $7000 from your Medsave account for dental treatments. The amount of coverage that will be provided mainly depends on the type of procedure and how complex it is.

Here is a list of Medisave climbable dental treatments, their average cost in Singapore and how much you can claim for them.

• Wisdom tooth removal. The actual cost of this procedure in Singapore can range between $700 and $1700 per single tooth, depending on its complexity. You can get up to $900 coverage from your Medisave account for the surgical removal of one wisdom tooth.
• Dental implants placement. Placement of a single dental implant may cost you anywhere from $3000 to $6000. With Medisave, you will be able to reduce your expenses by up to $1000.
• Bone grafting. The price of the procedure can range from $750 to $2500. The Medisave claimable amount may vary between $1500 and $2500.
• Gum surgery. The average cost of this procedure in Singapore is $1000 to $2000. By using Medisave, you might be able to reduce surgical expenses by up to $1000.
• Sinus lifts. The price of these surgical procedures varies from $1200 to $3200. You may be able to receive up to $900 from your Medisave account.
• Crown lengthening surgery. The prices for such treatment start from $700 and can reach up to $1000. However, crown lengthening is a Medisave claimable dental procedure and you might be able to lower your bill payment by up to $400.

Please note that the above-mentioned prices are just indicative. They may fluctuate significantly depending on the complexity of the dental treatment.

What Dental Services are NOT Covered by Medisave?

All dental services that don’t entail surgery are not covered by Medisave. This means that you cannot use your Medisave account savings for certain dental treatments such as:

• braces and aligners treatments
• dental crowns, bridges and dentures
• scaling and polishing
• root canal treatment which doesn’t involve surgery.

You also cannot use Medisave for simple tooth extractions as well as for cosmetic dental procedures such as dental veneers.

How to claim Medisave?

Here are the steps you need to take when claiming dental treatment through Medisave.

1. First of all, you need to make sure you go to a dental clinic that is accredited by the Ministry of Health, Singapore. Then you should inform the staff that you would like to make a Medisave claim for your treatment and check with them if that can be approved.
2. After that, you should sign the Medical Claims Authorisation Form (MCAF) which will be provided by the staff of the medical institution. If you are going to use the fund of any of your immediate family members then the required Medisave Authorisation Form should be filled and signed by the Medisave Account holder.
3. After everything has been done and your Medisave claim has been approved you should receive a Medisave Claims Statement. This document will provide you with all the information for your claim including the name of the accredited dental clinic, the procedure you claimed for as well as the amount withdrawn from your account. If you use the Medisave account of an immediate family member then he or she will receive this Medisave claims statement.

FAQs About Medisave Claims For Dental Services

If you have any more questions that aren't answered, feel free to give us a call or visit our Geylang and Bedok dental clinic and speak with someone in person.

The health of your teeth and mouth is as vital as the health of your overall body. In fact, even mild dental problems can become serious, if neglected and affect the rest of your body. As a rule of thumb, you must see a dentist every six months to keep on track of your oral health. And yes, you have probably heard that millions of times, but this is the only way to catch the problem before it becomes more serious.

So far so good, but do you know when you should see an orthodontist? Or when you need an oral surgeon, not just a dentist? Here we will explain to you what is the difference between a dentist, an orthodontist and a dental surgeon. As a bonus, we will give you some tips on how to find a good oral health care provider in Singapore. So, please have a look at the lines below.

What is the difference between a dentist, an orthodontist, and a dental surgeon?

There are a few key differences between an oral surgeon, a dentist and an orthodontist and these include the education and services they provide. Each of the providers specializes in particular aspects of dentistry and each plays a specific role in maintaining optimal dental health.

Generally, all of these doctors, dental surgeons, dentists and orthodontists, must first complete an undergraduate degree and dental school. So they basically get the same education initially. General dentists can start practising dentistry after graduating from dental school. Orthodontists and oral surgeons, on the other hand, need additional schooling in order to specialize in a specific dental specialty.

General dentists offer a broad range of services and are able to deal with various oral health issues including tooth decay, gum disease, sensitive teeth and so on. Dental surgeons typically perform more complex procedures such as wisdom tooth extraction, dental implant surgery, jaw realignment surgery and so on. Orthodontists are dental professionals who mainly focus on diagnosing and treating problems with jaw and tooth alignment. Generally, these doctors are the best ones to consult for orthodontic treatment.

What does a general dentist do?

A general dentist is one of the most common types of dentists that you can encounter. They are typically the subject matter experts of restorative dentistry and provide a wide range of services. The general dentist is the doctor you see every six months for your regular checkups and your routine cleanings as well as the first one you go to if you have a dental problem.

What else the dentists cover is to:

• perform a thorough examination and take X-rays
• treat cavities/ tooth decay by doing fillings
• treat inflammation of the gums or gum disease
• make crowns and veneers
• perform a root canal treatment
• do teeth whitening
• do full mouth rehabilitation
• examine and treat children
• educate patients and help them to improve their overall oral health
• do limited orthodontic treatments (not all dentists do so)
• perform simple tooth extraction such as third molars.

General dentists provide effective treatment options for various teeth and gums problems. They can restore teeth to their intended function and appearance.

Educational requirements and training for dentists

Every dentist, including those who are going to specialize in a particular dental speciality, must first complete dental school which takes 4 years. Upon graduation, the dentist receives either a Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry (DMD) or a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree.

Generally speaking, DMD and DDS are the same degrees and which one the dentist will get depends on the university. After graduating from dental school, dental students can pursue practical experiences as a dentist.

Now, it is important to note here that a Doctor of Dental Surgery and a dental surgeon (oral and maxillofacial surgeon) are two different positions. Only a dental professional who has completed the required training can hold the title of an oral and maxillofacial surgeon.

Later in this article, we will look at the educational requirements and responsibilities of dental surgeons.

What does an orthodontist do?

An orthodontist is a dental professional who helps keep your teeth healthy and upright to maintain normal function. In general, orthodontists and dentists share many things in common. Both of them contribute to improving oral health, but in different ways. Orthodontists specialize in tooth and jaw alignment while dentists mainly carry on restorative dental procedures. However, oftentimes dentists and orthodontists work hand in hand to ensure optimal oral health and proper alignment of teeth and jaws.

Typically orthodontists offer the following oral care:

• identify problems related to misaligned teeth and bite
• treat problems like tooth crowding, jaw misalignments and others
• create a detailed orthodontic treatment plan based on the patient's dental needs
• install braces, clear aligners, retainers and other orthodontic treatment devices
• conduct teeth straightening surgery
• treat an early loss of the baby teeth
• detect and treat childhood facial growth and dental development disorders.

The orthodontist is typically one of the best and most qualified dental providers to carry out braces treatment. They are responsible for making sure not only that you have a nice smile but you also have a functional bite, you can chew well and your jaw is in a healthy, stable position.

Educational requirements and training for orthodontists

An orthodontist is a dentist who undertook further training in order to be able to diagnose and provide efficiant treatment options for teeth and jaw misalignments. So the orthodontists first need to become qualified dentists, which means completing 4 years of dental school.

After completing general dentistry education they must pursue a specialization. They need to attend an orthodontic residency program which usually takes 3 years. During this additional training, they have the opportunity to treat patients under the supervision of specialists.

Orthodontists can start practising their job after receiving board certification in orthodontics.

What does a dental surgeon do?

A dental surgeon or oral and maxillofacial surgeon is an oral healthcare provider who has special training in performing oral surgeries. Dental surgeons are most often associated with procedures like tooth extractions and implant surgeries, however, their expertise goes far beyond that. They offer treatment options for various dental and medical conditions affecting the face, mouth and jaw.

Dental surgeons provide the following oral care services:

• wisdom tooth extraction
• dental implants treatment
• oral-facial trauma
• cancer removal
• bone grafting
• facial cosmetics
• reconstructive surgery
• temporomandibular disorders treatment.

Oral surgeons usually perform complex oral and maxillofacial surgeries. Most dentists refer patients to a dental surgeon when a wisdom tooth needs to be removed. At our Bedok and Geylang dental clinic we can do wisdom teeth extractions and removals, feel free to visit for a consultation.

Educational requirements and training for dental surgeons

Just like an orthodontist and a dentist, a dental surgeon should attend dental school first. After successfully getting a general dental degree and becoming a fully certified dentist, the oral surgeon has to complete additional education in oral and maxillofacial surgery residency.

The residency training program may take 4 years or 6 if a medical degree is acquired. The majority of oral and maxillofacial surgeons have both dental and medical degrees so that they are able to perform more complex treatment techniques.

Orthodontist vs. dentist vs. dental surgeon: Who should you see?

Dental surgeons, dentists and orthodontists are all considered doctors and all provide services related to improving the health of the teeth, gums and mouth. Which one you should see usually depends on your problem and its severity.

A general dentist is able to deal with all standard dental issues including tooth pain, tooth fracture, tooth decay and cavities, gum disease and others. So if you experience any of these problems you defiantly should arrange a trip to your dentist.

When it comes to dental issues, such as correcting bites and straightening teeth, then it is best to schedule an appointment with an orthodontist. Such a specialist is able to deal with improperly positioned teeth including crowded and crooked teeth or gaps between teeth. In addition, orthodontists specialise in treating jaw issues such as overbite, underbite, crossbite, open bite, etc.

The orthodontist is best suited to move your teeth into their correct position and care for your upright smile. Although some dentists may provide orthodontic care and be able to shift your teeth into proper alignment, you should keep in mind that they do not have the same level of training and experience as orthodontists have.

If your dental problem is more complex and requires surgical treatment then your dentist will refer you to a dental surgeon. The oral specialists have more extensive training and experience in performing procedures like dental implant surgery, bone grafting, wisdom tooth removal, facial trauma surgery and so on.

How to find a good oral health care provider in Singapore?

Are you looking for a great dentist or dental surgeon in your local community? Or maybe you want to find the best orthodontist near you that will help you achieve the straighter teeth and smile you have always wanted?

Here are some of the most convenient and easiest ways to find a reliable oral health care provider.

• Word of mouth. This means talking to your friends, family, and relatives in your community that are already there and have an established provider they go see every so often. They are able to give you the most truthful opinion of that doctor.
• "Ask" local online communities. Go to local Facebook groups or other local groups where you can ask questions about a particular dental office and oral health specialist. If you want to undergo orthodontic treatment, for example, you may seek recommendations for good orthodontists in your area. However, you should keep in mind that some of these local groups might not be as honest as you may think.
• Review sites. Review sites like Yelp and Google can give you a good indication of what a community thinks about a certain dental practice. You can scroll to the reviews, read a lot of comments and get a good sense of how good is the doctor.
• Insurance. Dentistry is typically expensive, especially when it comes to orthodontic treatments. That is why it is good to find a provider that will accept your insurance. You can pick a few dental practices by using the methods above and then call each of them and ask about the insurance policies they accept.

No matter what kind of provider you are looking for, a dentist, or a dental specialist like an orthodontist or a dental surgeon, it is important to find one you can trust, who is honest, who pays attention to you and respects your time. If you're near Kembangan Plaza in Bedok or Geylang, feel free to give us a call and our experienced dentists will assist you with any of your dental care needs.