How Panorex X-Rays Are Used in Dentistry

A panorex X-ray is a two-dimensional X-ray used in the dental field. It displays both jaws, the upper and lower, as well as the teeth, on the same film at the same time.

Uses

Panorex films have several uses since they expose areas of the jaw that cannot be detected by traditonal x-ray film. The two-dimensional images are used by dentists for the following:

• Diagnose advanced periodontal disease
• Assess temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ)
• Detect early oral cancer
• Orthodontic assessments of the jaw and tooth development including the number, position, and growth of all the teeth including those that have not yet surfaced. It is different from the small close up X-rays dentists take of individual teeth.
• Wisdom teeth impaction
• Assess dental restorations
• Detect sinus problems that cause tooth pain
• Dental surgery preparation

Your dentist may also refer you to have 3D X-rays taken with newer X-ray machines.

Process

During the panorex X-ray, the patient is asked to bite down on a special tool that assists the operator in positioning the patients head in the correct position. The patient is asked to stay very still while the panorex machine travels around the outside of the patients head. The image is either displayed digitally on a computer or processed onto traditional X-ray film, to be used by the dentist.

Your dentist may recommend a panorex every five years, or whenever necessary for your specific situation.