At The Dental Difference in Brick, NJ, Dr. Mosmen uses panoramic x-rays to capture a comprehensive, wraparound image of your entire mouth, jaw, sinuses, and surrounding structures. This advanced imaging technology provides critical diagnostic information that helps us plan treatment and detect problems that standard x-rays might miss.
Panoramic x-rays (also known as panorex or orthopantomograms) are wraparound photographs of the face and teeth. They offer a view that would otherwise be invisible to the naked eye. X-rays, in general, expose hidden structures, such as wisdom teeth, reveal preliminary signs of cavities, and also show fractures and bone loss.
Panoramic x-rays are extraoral and simple to perform. Usually, dental x-rays involve the film being placed inside the mouth, but panoramic film is hidden inside a mechanism that rotates around the outside of the head.
Unlike bitewing x-rays that need to be taken every few years, panoramic x-rays are generally only taken on an as-needed basis. A panoramic x-ray is not conducted to give a detailed view of each tooth, but rather to provide a better view of the sinus areas, nasal areas, and mandibular nerve. Panoramic x-rays are preferable to bitewing x-rays when a patient is in extreme pain, and when a sinus problem is suspected to have caused dental problems.
Panoramic x-rays are extremely versatile in dentistry, and are used to:
- Assess patients with an extreme gag reflex
- Evaluate the progression of TMJ
- Expose cysts and abnormalities
- Expose impacted teeth
- Expose jawbone fractures
- Plan treatment (full and partial dentures, braces, and implants)
- Reveal gum disease and cavities
How Are Panoramic X-Rays Taken?
The panoramic x-ray provides the dentist with an ear-to-ear two-dimensional view of both the upper and lower jaw. The most common uses for panoramic x-rays are to reveal the positioning of wisdom teeth and to check whether dental implants will affect the mandibular nerve (the nerve extending toward the lower lip).
The Panorex equipment consists of a rotating arm that holds the x-ray generator, and a moving film attachment that holds the pictures. The head is positioned between these two devices. The x-ray generator moves around the head, taking pictures as orthogonally as possible. The positioning of the head and body is what determines how sharp, clear, and useful the x-rays will be to the dentist. The pictures are magnified by as much as 30% to ensure that even the minutest detail will be noted.
Panoramic x-rays are an important diagnostic tool and are also valuable for planning future treatment. They are safer than other types of x-rays because less radiation enters the body.
Comprehensive Imaging
For Better Diagnosis
Panoramic x-rays are one of several advanced imaging technologies Dr. Mosmen uses to provide thorough, accurate diagnoses at The Dental Difference. Whether you need implants, wisdom tooth evaluation, or comprehensive treatment planning, panoramic imaging gives us the complete picture we need to deliver exceptional care. Call our Brick, NJ office or book online to schedule your appointment. We'll use the most advanced diagnostic tools to protect your oral health.