By 
Disease diagnosis is a crucial aspect of treatment planning. Precise diagnostic findings pave the way for an accurate and effective treatment that may work well for the concerned disease or condition. Panoramic X-rays stand out as innovative diagnostic tools, offering precise imaging capabilities that enable early detection of oral diseases.
Panoramic radiographs offered at the dental practice in Weston, MA are the most preferred than conventional X-rays due to greater precision and accuracy.
Understanding panoramic X-rays
A panoramic X-ray, also known as an OPG (orthopantomogram), is a type of dental imaging procedure that creates a single image of the entire mouth- the upper and the lower jaws, their temporomandibular joints, teeth, the nasal area, and the sinuses. The image provides a flat representation of your jaws that are curved, making it easier to analyze each part. The image of your whole mouth is captured on a single film, unlike traditional X-rays that can capture only a specific region.
Panoramic X-rays are used to diagnose and monitor the following oral pathologies and conditions:
- Gum disease
- Hidden tooth caries and cavities
- Oral abscesses (pus-filled painful boils) and cysts (clear fluid-filled sacs)
- Dental fractures
- Dislocated jaws
- Abnormal tooth development
- Impacted teeth
- Wisdom teeth development
- Dental implant planning
Panoramic X-rays are preferred over traditional X-rays due to the following benefits:
- Broad coverage of facial bones and teeth, including the TMJ
- Involves low patient radiation dose
- It is highly convenient when compared to traditional X-rays
- Helps in patients with restricted mouth opening
- Requires a short time to produce the images
- Helps in patient education and case presentation
The panoramic X-ray is performed by the same principles that are followed during a traditional X-ray:
- You will be taken to the radiology room and asked to remove any jewelry or metal accessories.
- You will be made to stand or sit still in front of the X-ray machine with your chin resting on a small chin rest.
- A bite block will be used to keep your mouth slightly open.
- The X-ray machine arm will rotate in a semicircle around your head along a specified angle, starting from one side of your jaw and ending at the other.
Conclusion
Panoramic X-ray is a vital diagnostic tool that has accelerated the age-old dental diagnosis process by offering instant access to images. These images offer excellent accuracy and precision with minimal discrepancies. Discuss with your dentist to take all the necessary precautions while taking panoramic radiographs to prevent overexposure!
