Panoramic x-ray

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 bitewing 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 bitewing 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.

FAQ x-ray

How often should I have dental x-rays taken

Recommendations for each individual depend on their current dental and medical history as well as the condition of their mouth. Those with increased risk for dental problems may need x-rays as often as every six to twelve months, while others with no recent dental issues may require them less often. Taking dental x-rays is a crucial part of a complete examination. Without them, cavities, infiltration under fillings or crowns, bone loss chronic infections, and other abnormalities of the teeth or jaw can go undetected. In fact, x-rays are a vital preventative tool to ensure that small problems don’t progress into more extensive (and expensive) ones! It is our recommendation that our patients have their Bitewing x-rays once every two years and a Panoramic every 5 years. Other types of x-rays such as a 3D CBCT or a Lateral Ceph may need to be taken based on treatment needs and insurance requirements (for claim submissions or Pre-determinations).

How much radiation am I being exposed to with Dental X-rays?

The amount of radiation from dental x-rays is negligible. Four Bitewing x-rays have been estimated to be the amount of radiation received from a 2 hour airplane flight. Radiation exposure is typically measured in units called millirem (mrem). Each year, the average person receives about 620 mrem of radiation from all natural and man-made sources
combined. The amount of radiation you get from a single digital Bitewing x-ray is 0.1 mrem.
Compare this to:

One plane ride from Malta to mainland Europe, round trip: 5 mrem
Sunlight & other cosmic radiation: 35 mrem
Food and water for 1 year: 40 mrem
Breathing normally for 1 year (from radon in air): 228 mrem
1 full body CT scan: 1000 mrem

Are there ways to limit radiation from my Dental X-rays?

Digital x-rays significantly reduce the level of radiation, by as much as 70-80%, utilizing sensors that replace traditional photographic x-ray film.
Your dentist uses the “As Low As Diagnostically Achievable” (ALADA) Method to
customize x-ray frequency based on your risk factors to minimize your exposure.

Tell your dentist if you may be pregnant, or you have been told to limit x-ray exposure.