Panorex

A panorex x-ray is a two-dimensional x-ray used in the dental field. It displays both jaws, the upper and lower, as well as the teeth, on the same film at the same time.

Panorex films have several uses. They are used regularly for orthodontic assessments, diagnosis of wisdom teeth impaction, diagnosis of advanced periodontal disease, assessment of the jaw joint, as well as for detecting signs of oral cancer.

During the panorex x-ray, the patient is asked to bite down on a special tool that assists the operator in positioning the patients head in the correct position. The patient is asked to stay very still while the panorex machine travels around the outside of the patients head, for approximately 20 seconds. The image is either displayed digitally on a computer, or processed onto traditional x-ray film, to be used by the dentist.

We may recommend a panorex every five years, or whenever necessary for your specific situation.