Panoramic Dental Radiography

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.