Pain? Same-day care.
callEmergencyarrow_forward
Dental Nation
Dental technology

Panoramic Dental Radiography

By the Dental Nation clinical team — a licensed dental group practising in the UAE

One panoramic X-ray shows both jaws, all teeth and nearby structures in a single image.

[1]

The short answer

A panoramic radiograph shows both jaws, all teeth and nearby structures in one image.

[1]
Panoramic Dental Radiography dental educational illustration

What is a panoramic dental X-ray?

What a panoramic image includes
AreaShown on the image
Upper and lower jawsYes[1]
Teeth and nearby structuresYes[1]

[1]

What can a panoramic X-ray help assess?

Panoramic radiography can assess dental development. It can also be used to evaluate whether third molars are present, where they are positioned and how far they have developed.

[2][3]

When is a panoramic X-ray not the starting point?

A radiograph should follow a thorough clinical examination, health history, review of previous images and assessment of caries risk. Screening for disease before the clinical examination should not be done.

[2][3]
Information considered before dental imaging
StepPurpose
Clinical examinationAssess whether imaging is needed.[2][3]
Previous radiographs and health historyInform the imaging decision.[2][3]

[2][3]

What other dental X-rays may be used?

Occlusal and periapical radiographs can be used to detect the position of an unerupted or supernumerary tooth. A periapical radiograph is taken inside the mouth and shows the root ends of teeth.

[1]

What does a panoramic image add to a dental assessment?

Because it presents the maxilla, mandible, teeth and nearby structures together, a panoramic image gives a broad view of the jaws rather than a view limited to one tooth area.

[1]

How is radiation exposure considered?

Dental X-rays make a minor contribution to total radiation exposure, but radiation from different sources accumulates over time. The benefit of an image is weighed against that exposure before it is taken.

[2][3]

Frequently asked questions

Does a panoramic dental X-ray show wisdom teeth?

It can be used to assess whether third molars are present, their position and their stage of development.

[2][3]

Keep reading

symptomSensitive TeethcompareSave the tooth or extract + implantconditionAbfraction LesionstreatmentComposite Veneers

Who wrote this page

This library is published by Dental Nation, a licensed dental group practising in the United Arab Emirates. Pages are written and overseen by the same clinical team that treats patients in our clinics, and are held to a fixed editorial standard for safety and accuracy.

This page is patient education, not medical advice, and cannot replace an examination. Anything urgent — facial swelling, trauma, uncontrolled bleeding or severe pain — needs a dentist or emergency care now.

Chat with us on WhatsApp