Panoramic
X-rays (also known as Panorex or orthopantomograms) are wraparound
photographs of the face and teeth. They offer a view that would
otherwise be invisible to the naked eye. X-rays in general, expose
hidden structures, such as wisdom teeth, reveal preliminary signs of
cavities, and also show fractures and bone loss.
Panoramic X-rays are extraoral and simple to perform. Usually, dental X-rays
involve the film being placed inside the mouth, but panoramic film is
hidden inside a mechanism that rotates around the outside of the head.
Unlike
bite-wing X-rays that need to be taken every few years, panoramic
X-rays are generally only taken on an as-needed basis. A panoramic
X-ray is not conducted to give a detailed view of each tooth, but rather
to provide a better view of the sinus areas, nasal areas and mandibular
nerve. Panoramic X-rays are preferable to bite-wing X-rays when a
patient is in extreme pain, and when a sinus problem is suspected to
have caused dental problems.
Panoramic X-rays are extremely versatile in dentistry, and are used to:
- Assess patients with an extreme gag reflex.
- Evaluate the progression of TMJ.
- Expose cysts and abnormalities.
- Expose impacted teeth.
- Expose jawbone fractures.
- Plan treatment (full and partial dentures, braces and implants).
- Reveal gum disease and cavities.
How are panoramic X-rays taken?
The
panoramic X-ray provides the dentist with an ear-to-ear two-dimensional
view of both the upper and lower jaw. The most common uses for
panoramic X-rays are to reveal the positioning of wisdom teeth and to
check whether dental implants will affect the mandibular nerve (the
nerve extending toward the lower lip).
The
Panorex equipment consists of a rotating arm that holds the X-ray
generator, and a moving film attachment that holds the pictures. The
head is positioned between these two devices. The X-ray generator moves
around the head taking pictures as orthogonally as possible. The
positioning of the head and body is what determines how sharp, clear and
useful the X-rays will be to the dentist. The pictures are magnified
by as much as 30% to ensure that even the minutest detail will be noted.
Panoramic
X-rays are an important diagnostic tool and are also valuable for
planning future treatment. They are safer than other types of X-rays
because less radiation enters the body.
If you have questions or concerns about panoramic X-rays, please contact our practice.
