Panoramic films A panoramic x-ray is one that surrounds the mouth from one side to the other and shows the entire mandible, the TMJ, the upper jaw, and the sinuses. They're not as sharp and detailed as an FMX, but they can show an anatomy around the teeth that isn't visible in a series of full mouths. Panoramic x-rays, like panoramic photographs, are used to take pictures of the entire area of the mouth. It shows the position of fully emerged, emerging and impacted teeth, all in a single image.
That's where the similarities end when you compare digital x-rays and traditional x-rays. With digital radiography, a digital sensor sends messages electronically to a computer. Once the x-ray has been taken, it is presented on a computer screen for the dentist and patient to see. Digital dental x-rays are preferred because they produce less radiation and speed up your visit to the dentist.
They also offer higher quality images and facilitate the transfer of dental records. Panoramic dental x-rays create a single image of the patient's entire mouth. This includes the upper and lower jaws and all of the teeth, as well as the nasal area and even the sinuses. Panoramic digital dental x-rays are valuable because they show the entire mouth in a single image.
The amount of radiation absorbed in a dental x-ray is about the same amount you would absorb during a normal day simply by walking and doing your usual routine. Other people who don't have dental or gum disease recently and who have ongoing scheduled visits with their dentist may only need x-rays every two years. Advances in dentistry, such as X-ray machines that limit the radiation beam to a small area, high-speed x-rays, the use of lead-coated full-body aprons, and federal laws requiring precision and safety controls on X-ray machines are some of the improvements that limit the amount of radiation that patients receive. If you have frequent complications or have had significant dental treatment in the past, your dentist may recommend a panoramic x-ray from time to time to make sure nothing is brewing.
X-rays go through less dense objects, such as the gums and cheeks, and appear as dark areas on the x-ray film. This is a negligible risk; you can be sure that the small amount of radiation that is present when you have a dental x-ray will almost certainly not cause you any harm. First-visit x-rays are also used to compare them with X-rays taken over time to detect problems and unexpected changes. What makes panoramic dental x-rays so unique is that the imaging machine is located outside the patient's mouth.
