
Panoramic X-rays (also known as Panorex® or orthopantomograms) capture the entire mouth, including teeth, bones and soft tissues in one single image. Panoramic X-rays uncover wisdom teeth, reveal initial signs of cavities, and also show fractures and bone loss – X-rays capture details and features the human eye cannot find. It aims to provide a clear view of the sinus areas, nasal areas and mandibular nerve. Panoramic X-rays are not used on a regular basis, they are only utilized for specific issues that a bitewing X-ray cannot capture. A panoramic X-ray becomes a desirable option when a patient is experiencing extreme pain, or a sinus complication causes dental problems.
Panoramic X-rays are used to evaluate or expose:
- Strategize treatment for implants, braces and dentures.
- Patients with a tremendous gag reflex.
- Reveal fractures in the jawbone.
- Gum disease and cavities.
- The development of TMJ.
- Cysts and irregularities.
- Wisdom teeth.
- Impacted teeth.
How does the procedure work?
The X-ray provides a two-dimensional view of both the upper and lower jaw. During a panoramic x-ray examination, the x-ray tube rotates in a semicircle around the patient’s head, starting at one side of the jaw and ending at the other side. A panoramic x-ray machine exudes a beam through the patient onto film or a sensor rotating opposite the X-ray tube. X-ray images are enlarged by 30% in order to capture the most intricate details.
Please ask your dentist if you have questions or concerns about panoramic X-rays.