Panoramic X-rays (also known as Panorex^®) are wrap around 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.

Panoramic X-rays are generally taken for a baseline around the time the permanent teeth start to erupt. The Planmeca ProMax S3 Panoramic unit at SKY Pediatric Dentistry has the additional ability to take cavity-checking Bitewing X-rays from OUTSIDE the mouth. Please contact Dr. Ashley and the staff at SKY Pediatric Dentistry to learn more. 

Panoramic X-rays are extremely versatile in dentistry, and are used to:

• Check for the presence of permanent teeth
• The SKY Panoramic machine can be used to take cavity-checking Bitewing X-rays from OUTSIDE the mouth
• Check for impacted teeth, cysts and abnormal conditions
  
• Evaluate jawbone fractures

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 Planmeca ProMax S3 equipment consists of a robotic 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. 

If you have questions or concerns about panoramic X-rays, please contact our practice.