Why is that? Because now we can robotically pan the “camera” to get the best view of each tooth in a panoramic x-ray. This gives us freedom to come up with any movement needed to see how your teeth need to be treated. This selective, controlled pan also limits radiation exposure.

So why aren’t more oral surgeons using panoramic dental x-rays? That’s a good question. Here are 6 reasons why to use a panoramic dental x-ray machine – and why we do here at EBOS:

6 Reasons Why to Use a Panoramic Dental X-Ray

1. It’s More Comfortable

You can stand or sit while you’re getting your x-rays done. Whatever is more comfortable for you. And you’ll only need to sit for one image – not four, like traditional bitewing x-rays require. Each traditional x-ray image takes several steps and can result in less comfort for you. Panoramic x-rays are just more comfortable and patient-friendly.

2. It’s Easier

During x-rays, the contacts between the posterior teeth need to be opened up. But panoramic dental x-rays let us easily do that by adjusting the panoramic positioning light. No need to set up a sensor, put it in your mouth, aim the machine, and do it again for each exposure of the traditional x-ray series.

3. It’s Faster

Panoramic dental x-rays take fewer steps. That means you’ll be done in a minute or two. Here’s the process:

• Turn on the x-ray machine
• Have the patient bite the bite block
• Adjust the height of the imaging unit
• Press “start”

Seconds later, you’re done.

4. It’s More Accurate

Studies show that traditional x-rays miss more cavities toward the back of your mouth. However, panoramic dental x-rays simply reveal more detail. Because of that detail, diagnosis takes less time (something like 2.5 times faster than with traditional x-rays.

Panoramic x-rays reveal bone defects, lesions, and other less-visible issues than bitewings do. Your diagnosis is more complete and accurate with panoramic dental x-rays.

5. It Reduces Radiation Exposure

Panoramic x-rays may dose you with 40% less radiation than traditional bitewings. In fact, to get technical, you’ll experience as little as 3-5 microsieverts. Compare that with 8-20 (or more) with intraoral bitewings. Of course, that range depends on several factors. And the dose may get down to 2-4 microsevierts for children.

6. It’s More Sanitary

Here are the steps to disinfect a traditional bitewing X-ray setup:

• Wrap the sensor before each use
• Unwrap the sensor after each patient
• Then, disinfect the sensor and sensor holder
• Sterilize the machine tube head
• Disinfect the yoke and cone
• Then, wash any soiled countertop areas
• Finally, throw away dirty gloves and put on clean ones

Compare that to the panoramic machine disinfection process:

• No gloves required
• Then, have the patient remove and throw away their used bite block sleeve
• Last, put on clean bite block sleeve

Panoramic x-rays remove the potential of infection from the process.

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As a patient, you have every reason to be glad that we use panoramic x-rays. Not only are they more comfortable – they’re also easier, faster, more accurate (big plus!), less radiant, and cleaner.

At EBOS, we care for you as a whole person. Your comfort and oral health come first. For a consultation, feel free to call us at 423-296-8210 today.

The post 6 Reasons Why to Use a Panoramic Dental X-Ray  appeared first on Implants & Oral Surgery of Chattanooga.

First, the typical X-ray process goes something like this: you visit the dentist, and they give you a piece of plastic to bite. Then the tech takes a series of radiograph images all around the perimeter of your mouth. Each picture shows a few teeth at a time.

So What Is a Panoramic Dental X-Ray?

Remember how the traditional radiograph takes multiple pictures? A panoramic dental X-ray gives your oral surgeon a single image of your entire mouth to look at. It includes your upper and lower jaws, TMJ joints, all your teeth, and your nasal and sinus cavities.

The panoramic X-ray process creates a flattened picture of your mouth so the surgeon can analyze your whole jaw structure at once.

Why Use a Panoramic Dental X-ray?

First of all, it’s not to show cavities. The rays aren’t powerful enough to get that deep. That means you can safely decline having this type of X-ray done if all you’re doing is getting a cavity filled.

But a panoramic X-ray does show your whole mouth in one image. The entire picture helps dentists spot issues like abnormal bone structure and fractures, impacted wisdom teeth, infections, and more. That’s where panoramic X-rays stand head and shoulders above traditional radiographs.

So, when your dentist suspects that you have any of these problems, they’ll probably opt for a panoramic X-ray. They often choose this effective method when you need braces or dental implants.

How Does the Panoramic Dental X-Ray Work?

While traditional X-rays project through your teeth onto film inside your mouth, panoramic X-rays project all the way through your mouth onto film on the other side.

The typical panoramic X-ray machine is centered around a bite-blocker to keep your mouth open. You’ll place your head against chin, side, and forehead rests. Then, the machine’s opposing arms will rotate around your head in a semicircle.

Panoramic Dental X-Ray Benefits and Risks

A panoramic X-ray shows your oral surgeon a full image of your mouth and jaw structure. Best of all, it’s on one film and is ready quickly. That’s a huge benefit for treatment and diagnosis.

However, there’s a note of caution for pregnant women, children, and those whose doctors have told them to avoid X-rays. A panoramic X-ray produces 0.02 millisieverts of radiation exposure. That comes out to 4 times the radiation that traditional X-rays produce (0.005 millisieverts).

If you’re concerned that the radiation risk may be too high, please ask us about it. We’ll be glad to answer your questions. And, if needed, we may be able to come up with an alternative solution.

The post What Is a Panoramic Dental X-Ray?  appeared first on Implants & Oral Surgery of Chattanooga.