• Dental X-Rays
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• Panoura
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• Kodak
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• Sirona
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• Philips
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• Siemens
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• Gendex
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• Belmont
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• Lumix
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• Panoramic

Panoramic X-Rays

Dental X-rays and radiographs are one of the most critical tools for any dentist or oral surgeon. Bitewing, periapical, and panoramic are the 3 main varieties of dental x-rays. Bitewing x-rays are the type which is taken at normal dental checkups and are helpful in uncovering cavities, Periapical x-rays capture a view of the entire tooth down to the gums and also show the surrounding bone.

Periapical x-rays are of use in finding abscesses and gum disease. The final type of dental x-ray, the panoramic x-ray is useful in obtaining an overall view of the whole mouth. These x-rays provide information regarding all of the teeth, jawbones, sinuses, and head and neck tissues. One benefit of panoramic x-rays is that they are easy to obtain and evaluate. Other types of x-rays require film to be fitted into the patient`s mouth while panoramic film stays contained in the x-ray system and captures images as the machine maneuvers around the patients head. The most familiar use of these types of x-rays to most patients in the evaluation of wisdom teeth. Panoramic x-rays also help show deeper cavities and gun problems. The downside is that panoramic images are less precise than bitewing and periapical images.

Panoramic x-rays have a number of other applications as well such as evaluation of TMJ issues and jaw joint problems. They are also helpful in patients with dentures, partials, implants, braces, and suspected cases of oral cancer or jaw tumors. They can also be used to view tooth impactions, facial and dental trauma, and in patients who gag on film inserted into the mouth.

Panoramic x-rays are also useful in evaluating rare issues like calcification of the carotid artery which is an early indicator of the risk of stroke. They can also help reveal unusual sinus conditions and abnormalities. Panoramic x-rays should be used as a component of any extensive dental exam and patients should receive them every 5 to 7 years if they are otherwise healthy. Although they reveal less detail than other types of x-rays, they are critical in discovering issues which don't appear on other kinds of x-ray images.