What are the Different Benefits of Panorex X-rays?

If you have ever visited a dental office, chances are you have heard about dental x-rays where the dentist places a film or x-ray detector in your mouth to take images of an area of the mouth. This is one type of x-ray, but several types serve a different purpose. One of those is the Panorex x-ray used to capture the entire mouth in a single image.

What is Panorex X-rpay?

X-rays, in general, expose the hidden structures and enable our dentist in Alexandria to examine the parts of the mouth not visible to the naked eye.

Panoramic radiography or Panorex x-ray is a 2-D dental x-ray used to capture the whole mouth in one image. It includes the teeth, upper and lower jaw, and the surrounding tissues. It provides details of the bone and teeth and helps the dentist diagnose dental problems early.

The panoramic x-ray provides valuable information about the positioning of the teeth and the bone abnormalities. Our dentist can use it to reveal conditions such as advanced periodontal disease, cysts in the jaw, tumors, cancer, jaw disorders, or impacted teeth.

How Does the Panorex X-ray Work?

Normally, an x-ray produces radio waves that pass through the body parts. The dentist aims the beams in the area of interest, and radiation records the image in a photographic film. In a Panorex x-ray, the x-ray tube rotates in semicircles around your head. It projects the beam through your mouth onto the film or detector in the unit. The images are stored electronically for easy access and proper view— these digital images allow the dentist to adjust the brightness and contrast of the image for better visualization.

How Do Panorex X-rays Differ From the Traditional Ones?

All types of x-rays serve a different purpose and are used to examine different parts. The traditional and Panorex x-ray differ in a few ways. For instance, in the traditional intraoral x-rays, the dentist will place the film or x-ray detector in the mouth. The Panorex x-ray includes the film in the x-ray machine.

Additionally, the Panorex x-ray is 2-D, while the traditional ones produce the images in a Three-dimensional view. However, the Panoramic x-ray is often used to examine the whole mouth, including the teeth and jaw. The traditional ones are used to check one part of the mouth for proper diagnosis.

If the dentist wants to examine your mouth, the Panorex x-ray would be ideal. But, if a detailed view of your jaw or teeth is needed, traditional x-rays will be used.

What Are the Benefits of Panorex X-rays?

The benefits of Panorex x-ray include:

• Early detection of dental problems

Using the Panoramic x-ray, the dentist will get a comprehensive view of the whole mouth in one single image. This means they will detect problems undetectable with other diagnostic tools, making it easy for the dentist to start treatment on time.

• Less radiation

According to the ADA, the Panoramic x-ray emits less radiation compared to the intraoral ones, making it safe and less invasive.

• Faster imaging

Panorex x-rays require fewer steps than traditional dental x-rays. Our dentist will step up the imaging machine and have you bite on the groove, and a second later, you will have your images ready to view.

What Can You Expect During Your Panorex X-ray Imagining?

The dentist will have you situated in the center of the imaging machine. The unit is adjusted to accommodate you, whether standing or sitting in a wheelchair. The dentist will position your head and secure it, and place the bite-blocker in the mouth to provide proper alignment. You will be requested to remain still as the rotating arms travel around the perimeter of your head, and this takes between 12 to 20 seconds.

Is The Panoramix X-ray Imaging Process Painful?

The Panorex x-ray is painless and fast to perform. It is also ideal for people with severe gag reflex because the film is not placed in the mouth.

Schedule an Appointment

Visit Burton Dentistry for more information about Panorex x-ray and what you can expect during the procedure.