X-rays are the oldest and most used type of medical imaging. An x-ray, a radiograph, is a noninvasive medical check that helps physicians diagnose and deal with medical situations. Imaging with x-rays entails exposing part of the body to a small dose of ionizing radiation to supply inside the body’s pictures.
If you’ve never been a fan of the traditional intraoral x-ray, where the dental technician puts the film detector inside the mouth, there’s another option. A panoramic x-ray may be the choice for you.
Panoramic Dental X-Ray
There are a few different types of dental x-rays. Panoramic dental x-rays, also called panoramic radiography, are one of them. It utilizes a little ionizing radiation to catch the entire mouth in one picture, including structures and tissues around the jaws. Also, it includes the top and bottom teeth. It’s usually used to plan treatment options for implants, false teeth, tooth extractions, and braces.
What To Expect
The panoramic x-ray produces a flat image of the curving of the jaw, which allows detailed images of the mouth. It includes the bones and teeth around the jaw and captures the maxillary sinuses, tooth positioning, and other bone abnormalities. If your dentist or surgeon requires additional imagery, a tomography CT scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be ordered. Dental Cone Beam CT may also be ordered because it’s especially good for scanning this part of the body.
Teeth – The Window To Your Health
A panoramic x-ray can also reveal dental and medical problems such as:
- advanced periodontal disease
- cysts in the jaw bone
- jaw tumors and oral cancer
- impacted teeth like wisdom teeth
- jaw disorders like TMJ disorders
- sinusitis
Some benefits of panoramic x-ray include:
- little to no lingering radiation in the body
- typically no side effects
- safe for children
The Procedure
The procedure is painless and quick, and patients with sensitive gag reflexes can benefit from intraoral x-ray. The patient goes to the unit’s center, where the technician cautiously positions and secures the head. A bite-blocker is then inserted into the patient’s mouth for correct tooth arrangement; positioning the teeth and head is significant for getting a clear picture.
During the x-ray, while the unit’s turning arm moves in a crescent around the order of the head taking pictures, the patient needs to remain still. This can regularly take between 12 and 20 seconds. Include in your dental forms and mention verbally to the dentist or dental surgeon that you are pregnant. Learn more about the risks of x-rays while pregnant here.
Contact us today here at the Westmoreland Dental group, where our dental specialists will take care of all your dental needs. We offer a variety of services to meet your dental needs and keep your smile happy and healthy.