Digital Panoramic X-rays
X-rays in general can identify hidden structures such as wisdom teeth, reveal signs of cavities, show jaw fractures and bone loss. The Digital Panoramic X-ray (also known as Panorex® or orthopantomograms) moves around a patient's head providing the dentist with an ear-to-ear two-dimensional view of both the upper and lower jaw. Usually dental X-rays involve the film being placed inside the mouth, but a digital panoramic x-ray rotates around the outside of a patient's head.Digital panoramic x-rays are extra-oral and simple to perform.
Unlike bitewing X-rays that need to be taken every 6 months, digital panoramic X-rays are generally taken on an as-needed basis. A digital panoramic x-ray is not conducted to give a detailed view of each tooth, but rather to provide an overview of the maxilla, sinus & nasal areas, jaw bone and mandibular nerve. Panoramic X-rays maybe preferable to bitewing or periapical X-rays when a patient is in extreme pain and has difficulty opening.
The most common uses for digital panoramic X-rays are to reveal the position and orientation of wisdom teeth and to check whether dental implants will affect any vital structures.
Digital Panoramic X-rays are extremely versatile in dentistry, and are used to:
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Identify pathology.
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evaluate impacted teeth.
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Verify jawbone fractures.
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Plan treatment (full and partial dentures, braces and implants).
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Reveal gum disease.
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Evaluate the progression of TMJ.
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Assess patients with an extreme gag reflex.
Panoramic X-rays are an important diagnostic tool and are valuable for planning future treatment.
If you have questions or concerns about digital panoramic X-rays, please ask your dentist.
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