Panoramic Dental X Ray

the "big picture" dental xray for dental orthodontics and more

The strange appearance of this dental xray camera adds to the mystery, some are taken while standing, hands on handles, chin resting on a shelf.

Other models have the patient seated in a contraption that looks like a cross between an electric chair and a carnival ride. I often remind my worried clients that only the machine moves.

In spite of the odd looking equipment, this radiograph also known as a pano is the safest of the safe.

X ray Safety

The sight of it set my protective mom alarm off. "What? No x ray protection? Have I chosen the wrong orthodontist?" These were some of my panic stricken thoughts.

Immediately the radiograph popped up on a nearby computer screen and I was relieved...ahh digital!

A pano requires the lowest radiation level compared to other full coverage dental x rays. Digital panoramic x ray is the lowest of the low.

He would have more radiation exposure after spending a hour in the sun and most of us don't make our kids wear lead aprons to play outdoors.

His soccer skills would suffer.

Panoramic dental x-rays for dental orthodontics and wisdom teeth

Orthodontists can see teeth before they errupt and plan dental orthodontics treatment accordingly.

Some types of orthodontic braces can be placed before all the permanent teeth erupt. Proactive placement of orthodontic bands and use of orthodontic retainers is very helpful in some cases.

Wisdom teeth are the most unpredictable teeth also the toughest to see on standard dental x rays.

Maybe you are lucky and have no wisdom teeth:) But if you have yours, a panoramic xray will help you avoid problems caused by wisdom teeth.

A pano helps your dentist determine the fate of wisdom teeth.

Do they stay or do they go?

If they need to go... don't worry you wont miss them:)

This x ray is needed by your oral surgeon before removing wisdom teeth and will prevent wisdom teeth problems and wisdom teeth pain.

Because nothing big goes inside your mouth, a pano can be taken on very young children long before they are big enough to have traditional dental x rays taken.

Those with a strong gag reflex love having the option of a panoramic dental x ray.

Are other dental xrays necessary?

Just one reason, because the x ray camera is moving while the radiograph is taken, it is more blurry than traditional dental x rays.

A pano gives your dentist the big picture but more focused radiographs are still needed to detect many dental problems.

When in combination with intraoral dental x rays, a panoramic dental x ray is a safe, easy, and comfortable option.

Dental Xrays Again? How many and how often are dental images necessary?

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