X rays are used to diagnose internal problems.
X rays are used in many different ways but all are forms of electromagnetic radiation. The radiation allows photons to pass through the body and record the image on film. Solid areas, such as thick bone, are white on an X ray, while structures containing air will be black and muscle, fat and fluid will appear gray.
Internal X Rays
For internal X rays, such as barium enemas, a tube is inserted into the body. The tube is connected to a bag containing barium sulfate, which is a liquid used to make a more distinct contrast of the internal organs, producing a clearer image. A small balloon at the tip of the enema tube may also be used to keep the barium inside the colon.
Dental X Rays
There are two main types of dental X rays: intraoral and extraoral; the only difference between the two is the location of the X ray film. For intraoral X rays, the film is inside the mouth and for extraoral X rays, the film is outside the mouth. Equipment for the two procedures include "bite-wings" and machines used for panoramic X rays. "Bite-wings" are wing-shaped devices that hold the film in place between your teeth during the X ray. Panoramic X rays are taken with a machine that uses a tube, which circles your entire head and produces an X ray with your complete dentition.
CAT/CT Scan
A CAT or CT scan uses X ray imaging and computers to produce multiple cross-section images of the inside of the body and are clearer than traditional X rays. A CT scanner is quite large and requires the patient to lay down on an exam table that slides into the scanner. X ray tubes and X ray detectors are inside the scanner while the computer that processes the images is found in another room.
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