An imaging method using low-dose ionizing radiation that displays the upper and lower jaws, teeth, jaw joints, and sinuses in a single image.
Indication
- Evaluating the position of impacted wisdom teeth (third molars)
- Screening for jaw cysts, bone tumors, and intra-jaw pathologies
- General dental health check after caries, fillings, and root canal treatment
- Assessing bone volume and anatomical structures before implant surgery
- Planning orthodontic treatment (braces)
- Evaluating temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and jaw bone fractures
- Screening eruption disorders during the transition from primary to permanent teeth
Preparation
- Metal items that need to be removed during the procedure (earrings, glasses, necklaces, removable dentures) are taken off in advance
- Hairpins, piercings, and metal accessories from head to neck are removed
- If pregnancy is suspected, the doctor and technician must be informed
- No special preparation (such as fasting) is required before the procedure
How it's performed
- The patient is positioned standing or seated in front of the device, secured at the chin support
- The patient is asked to place the tongue against the palate and keep the lips closed
- Arms and shoulders are kept still; staying motionless is important
- The X-ray source and detector rotate in a half-circle around the head for 12-20 seconds
- A single capture provides a complete image of the upper and lower jaws
- Total procedure time is 1-2 minutes; no pain or discomfort is felt during imaging
Post-procedure
- There are no special restrictions after the procedure; the patient can return to normal activity immediately
- The image is reported through the digital system shortly after and shared with the physician
- Findings are communicated to the patient verbally and in a written report for treatment planning
- If needed, additional imaging such as a periapical film or cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) is planned
Risks
- Involves low-dose ionizing radiation exposure; the dose from a single capture is equivalent to a few days of natural background radiation
- Movement during imaging may cause blurring and require a repeat capture
- Pregnancy, lead apron use, and dose calculation are carefully evaluated during imaging
- In situations requiring detailed 3D evaluation, a panoramic image alone may be insufficient
FAQ
Is a panoramic X-ray harmful in terms of radiation?
In modern digital devices, the dose is very low and equivalent to about 1-2 days of natural background radiation. Still, the ALARA (as low as reasonably achievable) principle is applied to avoid unnecessary repeat captures.
Can a panoramic X-ray be taken during pregnancy?
In non-urgent cases, it is preferable to postpone during pregnancy. When unavoidable, it can be performed with a lead apron after the physician's risk-benefit assessment; the technician must always be informed.
Can children also have panoramic X-rays?
It can be taken for children during the transition between primary and permanent teeth, for orthodontic planning, and for impacted tooth evaluation. The dose is kept even lower for children, and routine screening is not recommended without clinical necessity.
When are the results available?
In digital systems, the image is obtained within seconds, and the radiology report is usually completed the same day.
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