Panoramic X-Rays, bitewing X-Rays and periapical X-Rays are used by dental professionals to diagnose various types of teeth, gum and mouth issues. These technologies enable your dentist to precisely understand what’s ailing you, and thereby determine the best course of action to alleviate the symptoms. Dental X-Rays as a whole are often called radiographs.
Panoramic X-Rays & Other Types of Radiographs
Panoramic x-rays are used to give the dentist a broad view of a patient’s entire mouth and surrounding areas. It very accurately shows the teeth, teeth roots, gums, jawbone, sinuses and other tissues in the neck and head. Dentists also enjoy the panoramic x-ray procedure as there is no need to place film in the patient’s mouth. The unit moves circularly around the patient’s head capturing sub-dermal images as it goes. Its film is self-contained, making the process simple, quick, painless and very safe.
Common uses for panoramic x-rays:
- Evaluation of wisdom teeth;
- Evaluation of TMJ and other issues with the jaw joint;
- Evaluation of patients considering removable partial dentures (RPD’s);
- Evaluation of patients considering dental implants and/or braces;
- Locating the presence of jaw tumors and/or other signs of developing oral cancer;
- Evaluation of impacted teeth, especially impacted wisdom teeth;
- Identification of calcification on the carotid artery (early symptom for stroke);
- Used for patients who cannot stand to have the film in their mouths;
A comprehensive dental exam should always include a panoramic x-ray. It’s a powerful tool for determining the precise condition of the entire mouth. Many dentists recommend that their patients receive a panoramic x-ray about once every 6 years. While it’s true that this type of x-ray does not show quite as much about the teeth and gums as some other types of x-rays, it’s main attractiveness comes from the fact that it presents so much information about various other hard and soft tissues in and around the mouth. Panoramic x-rays are one of the strongest tools a dentist has for evaluating hid or her patients.