Panorex X-Ray
Dental X-rays are beneficial in finding cavities. A panorex X-ray, or panoramic X-ray, provides a full view of the upper and lower jaws, teeth, temporomandibular (TM) joints, and sinuses. A panorex X-ray shows more of a patient's oral cavity than a traditional X-ray can.
A panorex X-ray can be used to reveal cysts, tumors, bone irregularities, wisdom teeth and more. And, unlike with a traditional X-ray, the mandibular nerve, which is the nerve going to the lower lip, is fully visualized with a panorex X-ray.
The panorex X-ray machine makes a complete half circle from ear to ear, producing a complete two-dimensional representation of the entire oral cavity. This panoramic view is accomplished by rotating the X-ray film around the patient's head for approximately twelve seconds.
Less radiation is produced by a panorex X-ray than by a traditional X-ray, and the actual taking of the panorex X-ray is more comfortable for the patient.
Additional Resources
- Medline Plus
- National Institutes of Health
- National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
- U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
- U.S. National Library of Medicine
- WebMD