A trip to the dentists often involved receiving X-rays.  A piece of plastic is placed inside the mouth for you to bite down on, then multiple pictures are taken.  These x-rays are usually done to identify conditions that could be affecting different parts of the mouth.

In contrast to traditional radiograph, a panoramic dental X-ray will create a single image of the entire mouth: the upper and lower jaws, the joints, all the teeth, and the nasal area/sinuses. #smilewithconfidence This image will provide a flat representation of the jaw, making it easier to analyze each part.  Family Dentist San Tan Valley AZ

Panoramic X-Ray

This x-ray will show the entire mouth in one picture but will not produce any detail needed to show cavities.  It will show problems like bone abnormalities and fractures, cysts, impacted teeth, infections, and tumors. Family Dentist San Tan Valley AZ If any of these things are suspected, your dentist may opt for this type of x-ray.  This method is also used when planning any type of treatment like braces, implants and dentures. 

Unlike traditional intraoral x-rays, panoramic dental x-rays are extraoral.  This means the imaging machine and film will be on the outside of your mouth.  This panoramic machine will project a beam through your mouth onto a film or a detector that rotates opposite the x-ray tube. Family Dentist San Tan Valley AZ

The design of a panoramic x-ray machine has an imagine tube mounted on one horizontal arm that can point toward one side of your face.  The opposite horizontal arm that points towards the other side will contain the x-ray film or detector. #martindental Your head will be positioned using chin, forehead and side rests.  A bite-blocker keeps your mouth open.  The machine will then rotate in a semicircle around your head.