The Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology serves as the primary clinic where patients visiting our center are initially received, diagnosed, and their treatment plans are developed.
Before starting their treatments, patients are examined in the Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology clinic based on their complaints. If necessary, they are directed to the radiology unit for imaging.
The Importance of Accurate Diagnosis and Treatment Planning
During the initial examination of patients, their systemic diseases, if any, are assessed, and their medical history along with previous conditions are documented. This initial examination is crucial to ensure that patients with systemic conditions do not face any health complications during their treatment. Based on the information gathered during this examination, a treatment plan is created that aligns with the patient's health status, and they are referred to the relevant clinics. The treatment plan should be updated approximately every six months.
The proposed treatment plan for patients is explained in detail, including its variety, advantages, and disadvantages. By conducting a thorough examination and developing an accurate treatment plan, treatments are initiated and successfully completed, leading to long-lasting results. This approach helps avoid health, time, and economic losses.
The radiographs taken in the radiology clinic are monitored and tracked through a digital network and patient tracking program, ensuring follow-up in the clinics of our center. If necessary, further imaging and tests are conducted in collaboration with medical specialties. As a result of these processes, the planned treatments for patients are carried out by the relevant other clinics of our faculty.
Important Considerations During Examination and Radiography
During the examination;
The questions asked should be answered accurately, and no incomplete information should be provided in order to avoid compromising the treatment and the patient's health.
In the Radiology Clinic;
Before the X-ray, all metal accessories in the head and neck area (glasses, hearing aids, hairpins, earrings, nose rings, piercings, necklaces, etc.) should be removed. If present, removable dentures should be taken out of the mouth.
In cases of pregnancy;
Although the radiation emitted by the state-of-the-art radiography devices used in our center is very low and does not pose a threat to human health, radiographs are not taken from pregnant individuals or those who might be pregnant, except in cases of emergency medical requirements and at the request of a doctor. If necessary, the relevant personnel should be consulted, and no one should enter the radiology clinic without wearing a lead apron.
Services Provided
- General Oral and Dental Examination
- Treatment Planning
- Periapical X-ray
- Panoramic X-ray
- Cephalometric X-ray
- Other Extraoral X-rays
- Ultrasonography
- Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT)
- Diagnosis and Treatment of Oral Mucosal Diseases
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Purpose of Taking a Dental X-ray?
Dental X-rays are taken to monitor the condition of the bone structures that support the teeth, which are not visible to the naked eye, and to determine the relationship between existing dental or gum problems and the roots and bones. This allows for the diagnosis and early treatment of conditions that may not be visible at first or cannot be detected from the outside. Dental X-rays provide the most accurate results for detecting dental structure issues, identifying the source of infections, assessing root fractures, and identifying tumors and cysts.
Is There Any Harm in Taking a Dental X-ray in Terms of Radiation Exposure?
With modern dental radiology devices and methods, the radiation dose received from a dental X-ray is minimal. There is no medical concern regarding taking up to 16 dental X-rays of the entire mouth in a single session. On the contrary, the diagnostic benefits gained from the X-ray are much greater.
Can I Have a Dental X-ray During Pregnancy?
X-rays are not taken from pregnant women or those suspected to be pregnant, unless there is an urgent medical requirement or a doctor's request. If necessary, it is important to consult the relevant staff, and a lead apron should be worn before entering the radiology clinic.
Should I Keep My Old X-ray Films?
If the X-ray films you have are technically problematic or too old to reflect your current condition, they should not be used during the examination. X-ray films older than six months should be replaced with new ones. However, it is beneficial to bring old X-ray films to the examination for comparison with the current condition. Therefore, old X-ray films should not be discarded and should be brought to your appointment.
What is Dental Tomography? Why is it Preferred? Is There Any Risk in Terms of Radiation Exposure?
Dental tomography is a radiological diagnostic method that uses X-rays to create cross-sectional images of the area to be examined. Unlike standard X-ray films, dental tomography allows the analysis of pathological and anatomical relationships that are not visible in conventional X-rays.
With a dental tomography device, multiple slices are taken from more than three planes. These slices are then re-sliced and reconstructed using advanced software, allowing the targeted area to be viewed from any angle and direction. Areas that cannot be visualized with other dental imaging methods can be seen through tomography. Since X-rays are only directed at the targeted region, sensitive organs such as the thyroid gland and lenses are protected from radiation. The image quality is very high, providing excellent diagnostic detail and measurement accuracy, which is essential in guiding treatments. Additionally, this technique allows the volumetric image of the skull to be created, enabling the examination of the bone structure.
How Often Should I Have My Teeth Examined?
Just because teeth that are regularly brushed do not hurt, it does not mean that there are no issues. A thorough dental check-up should be performed at least every six months.
Can Changes such as Bleeding, Odor, Numbness, or Burning in My Mouth Be Signs of Diseases in My Body?
Yes, they can be. Therefore, it is essential to consult your dentist to determine whether your symptoms are related to oral and dental issues or are caused by other underlying health conditions in your body.
How long is the initial examination valid?
If no new health problems have arisen, the treatment plan made during the initial examination is valid for 6 months. After six months, when you visit our center again, you will need to undergo a new initial examination.
Title/ Full Name | Position | |
Prof. Hakan EREN | Department Chair | hakan.eren@comu.edu.tr |
Associate Prof. Yeşim DENİZ | Faculty Member | yesimdeniz@comu.edu.tr |
Assistant Prof. Rüya SESSİZ | Faculty Member | r.sessiz@comu.edu.tr |
Assistant Prof. Gamze COŞAN ATA | Faculty Member | gamze.cosanata@comu.edu.tr |
Research Assistant İlknur SEVİM | Research Assistant | ilknur.sevim@comu.edu.tr |
Research Assistant Beyza ALTUNKILIÇ | Research Assistant | beyza.altunkilic@comu.edu.tr |
Research Assistant Enes BAŞBUNAR | Research Assistant | enes.basbunar@comu.edu.tr |
Research Assistant Bilgenur BALABAN | Research Assistant | bilgenur.balaban@comu.edu.tr |