Previously named as Oral Diagnosis and Radiology, the name of the department has been changed into Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology in 2012 by the Turkish Council of Higher Education (YÖK).
Oral Diagnosis Clinic: Oral Diagnosis Clinic offers initial screening appointments and early diagnosis through clinical examination, x-rays and lab tests as well as biopsy when required
Normal and healthy functioning of teeth, jaw bones and surrounding tissues is directly relevant to our general health status.
*Diagnosis of diseases affecting the oral and maxillofacial region or symptoms of common diseases and conditions (systemic status) may sometimes establish themselves in oral soft tissue or jaw bones. Accordingly, early diagnosis of oral and maxillofacial diseases is essential to a successful dental treatment.
*Or, a slight change in the oral and maxillofacial region may sometimes be misdiagnosed with a severe disease, causing waste of time and concerns because of several treatment trials.
The mission of the Oral Diagnosis Clinic is to prepare the road map a patient will follow on his/her journey through treatment by taking into account the relationship between the abovementioned changes and general health of the patient.
The diagnosis, detection and treatment of oral and maxillofacial diseases are carried out in our Oral Diagnosis Clinic under the leadership of Prof. Dr. Semih ÖZBAYRAK.
RADIOLOGY UNIT
The purpose of the radiologic evaluation is to detect the dental, bone and soft tissue diseases that may go undetected during the examination. Intraoral X-ray may be ordered prior to, during and after the treatment to keep track of patient’s status.
X-rays used for the abovementioned purpose are divided into three main categories: periapical x-ray (a PA film showing the whole tooth), x-ray extraoral film (panoramic and cephalometric film) and dental 3-D x-rays.
Three-dimensional imaging of jaw bones (Dental Volumetric Tomography / DVT)
In our clinic, “dental volumetric tomography” machine is also used for 3D imaging of jaw bones and their immediate surroundings in cases where 2D imaging remains insufficient. Using x-ray beams, this type of imaging displays the jaw bones slice by slice. New types of DVT machines uses 90% less radiation than traditional film X-rays.
These machines and devices are commonly used for diagnosis and treatment purposes in all different areas of dentistry. Advanced dental imaging allows the dental professionals to evaluate the affected area at the millimetric scale. Measurements on tomographic images to evaluate the bone volume and quality are performed in order to create an effective treatment plan for the implant patient.
X-ray examinations have a written evaluation report prepared by our specialists, which can also be used for x-rays ordered from another dental healthcare facility.
The written evaluation report includes all findings regarding jaw bones, facial bones and a provisional diagnosis. If needed, supplemental screening may be ordered for special cases.
Protection against radiation
Our patients’ health and safety are of the utmost importance in our unit. To protect our adult and child patients against radiation, we use provide lead aprons and thyroid collars before taking dental radiographs. Radiation dose reports can also be provided upon request.
X-ray during pregnancy;
In dental radiology, x-rays are not expected to pose exposure to the uterus and developing fetus as x-rays are only directed toward the head and neck region and the X-ray beam emitted by the Orthopantomography / OPTG system is kept perpendicular to the jaws, producing a flat image of both jaws and their teeth. However, ‘reflected radiation from the X-ray imaging device’ should not be ignored. It should never be forgotten that the effects of radiation are cumulative and even low-dose radiation may lead to changes in human body. As indicated in reports and recommendations issued by International Commission on Radiological Protection, there is no specific threshold for damages that may be caused by small doses.
*Accordingly, in line with the principles of International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP), when radiography is medically necessary, it should use the lowest possible exposure and the minimum number of images.