A panoramic radiograph is a panoramic scanning dental x-ray of the upper and lower jaw.

It shows a
two-dimensional view of a half-circle from ear to ear.

TYPES OF PANORAMIC RADIOGRAPH

Dental panoramic radigraphy equipment consists of a horizontal rotating arm which holds an x-ray
source and a moving film mechanism arranged at opposite extremities. There are two kinds of film
moving mechanisms, one using a sliding flat cassette which holds the film, and another using a rotating
cylinder around which the film is wound. Dental x-rays’ radiology is moving from film technology to
digital x-ray technology, which is based on electronic sensors and computers. The digital x-ray
technology reduces costs and also reduces patient exposure to radiation.

ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES

The advantages of a panoramic radiography are: wide coverage of facial bone and teeth, low patient
radiation dose, convenience of examination for the patient, ability to be used in patients who can’t open
the mouth, short time needed for making the image, a useful support in patient education and case
presentation, and easy to store compared to large set of intra oral x-rays.

The disadvantage of a panoramic radiography is ionizing radiation. A rough estimate of the risk of fatal
cancer from a panoramic radiograph is abou 1 in 20,000,000.

INDICATIONS

Panoramic radiograph is used to provide information on:

- Impacted wisdom teeth diagnosis and treatment planning

- Periodontal bone loss
- Finding the source of dental pain
- Assessment for the placement of dental implants
- Orthodontic assessment
- Diagnosis developmental anomalies
- Carcinoma
- Temporomandibular joint dysfunctions and ankylosis
- Diagnosis of osteosarcoma, ameloblastoma, renal osteodystrophy
- Diagnosis of pre- and post- surgical assessment of oral and maxillofacial trauma
- Salivary stones
- Other diagnostic and treatment applications