Some patients will be instructed by the dentist to carry out a panoramic dental X-ray. The resulting image shows teeth, bones of the maxilla (upper jaw) and mandible (lower jaw), temporomandibular joints (TMJ), and maxillary sinuses. The X-ray is necessary in several cases. When and how should it be carried out?
What is a panoramic dental X-ray and why is it needed?
A panoramic dental X-ray is a scan, which results in a panoramic radiograph, i.e. an enlarged image of all the teeth and the anatomical structures of the alveolar bones. It allows the dentist to determine the condition of the periodontium, the degree of teeth mineralization or possible irregularities in the structure of the teeth roots. Due to the physical properties of X-rays, before the examination patients must remove all metal elements from the head area. This includes for example jewelry, such as necklaces or earrings, as well as removable dentures. Patients also need to wear a special apron that protects them against the X-rays. On the resulting image image, teeth, maxilla (upper jaw), mandible (lower jaw), temporomandibular joints and maxillary sinuses are visible with an approximately 15 percent magnification.
Medical indications for carrying out a panoramic dental X-ray
There are many medical indications for carrying out a panoramic dental X-ray. These are mainly mechanical injuries or diseases of the teeth (such as deep caries), salivary gland stones, periodontal diseases and injuries of the jaw. A dentist (or a dental surgeon) may also order the X-ray to be taken when he or she believes that a tooth needs to be extracted. In addition, the panoramic dental X-ray is also recommended for people who want to have a dental implant in the place of the missing tooth. The X-ray image will allow to assess the thickness of bone tissue and determine the location where the implant could be placed. A patient who would like to undergo orthodontic treatment will also have to have such an X-ray taken. Pregnancy is a relative contraindication to taking this a panoramic dental X-ray.
At our Dental Clinic in Szczecin, we provide services, in the fields of dental prosthetics, implantology, caries treatment, root canal treatment, dental surgery and other types of dental treatment. We also take the above described X-ray pictures. If you would like to undergo treatment or have your teeth checked, you are welcome to visit us.
