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Facial X-Ray

(continued)

What Affects the Test

Reasons you may not be able to have the test or why the results may not be helpful include:

If you can't remain still during the test. The pictures may not be clear.
If you have a possible neck injury. In this case, it may not be possible to do a complete series of facial X-rays.
If you have a false eye (prosthetic eye) or other artificial or metal objects around the face. These can make a shadow on the X-ray picture that hides part of the bones.

What To Think About

A computed tomography (CT) scan may be needed to check any problems found on a facial X-ray. CT scans are better than X-rays for some problems, such as severe facial trauma or sinusitis. CT scans are more expensive than facial X-rays and may not be available in some areas. Facial and sinus X-rays may be done if a CT scan is not available. For more information, see the topic Computed Tomography (CT) Scan of the Head and Face.
Sometimes your X-ray results may be different because you were tested at a different medical center or earlier test results are not available to compare to the new test findings.

Other Works Consulted
Chernecky CC, Berger BJ (2008). Laboratory Tests and Diagnostic Procedures, 5th ed. St. Louis: Saunders.
Fischbach FT, Dunning MB III, eds. (2009). Manual of Laboratory and Diagnostic Tests, 8th ed. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins.

By	Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer	William H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	Howard Schaff, MD - Diagnostic Radiology
Last Revised	April 21, 2010

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WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: April 21, 2010

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.