Panoramic X-rays In Dentistry: Unraveling Diagnosis Through Wide Lens
Disease diagnosis is an important component that paves the way for a quick and accurate treatment. The earlier and more precise the diagnosis, the better for rehabilitating your oral health. Dental X-rays such as panoramic are one such tools that offer accurate and detailed diagnosis
Panoramic X-rays offered by the dentist servicing Littlestown, Hanover, and Gettysburg, PA provide precise and instant reporting that enables the design to tailor appropriate treatment plans.
A comprehensive guide to panoramic X-rays
A panoramic X-ray, or 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 curved jaws, making it easier to analyze each part. A single film is used to capture images of your entire oral cavity, and surrounding structures.
Uses
An OPG is used for the following reasons:
- 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
Potential benefits of panoramic X-rays
Panoramic X-rays are preferred over traditional X-rays, since they offer an array of significant benefits, such as:
- Broad coverage of facial bones and teeth, including the TMJ
- Involve low patient radiation dose
- They are highly convenient when compared to traditional X-rays
- Help in patients with restricted mouth opening
- Require a short time to produce the images
- Help in patient education and case presentation
Recording panoramic X-rays is simple
Here is a guide to the steps involved in recording a panoramic 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 blocker will be used to keep your mouth slightly open.
- The X-ray machine arm will rotate in a semicircle motion 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 dental diagnostic tool that has accelerated the age-old dental diagnosis process by offering dentists instant access to images. These images offer excellent accuracy and precision with minimal discrepancies. Dentists often rely on an OPG to tailor treatment plans according to the diagnosis and your individual needs, offering quick relief from oral pathologies.
