Panoramic X-Ray
General Dentistry, Family Dentists & Emergency Dentists in Puyallup, WA
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Panoramic X-Ray services offered in Puyallup, WA
Access to the latest dental technology is vital to achieving and maintaining healthy smiles. At South Hill Family Dentistry in Puyallup, their providers offer state-of-the-art technology, including panoramic X-rays, to enhance your dental health. Book a visit online or by phone today to learn more about all the practice has to offer.
What is a panoramic X-ray?
Panoramic X-rays are a form of imaging that creates a “picture” of your teeth, bone, and soft tissues. Unlike bitewing X-rays, which only focus on one side of your mouth at a time, panoramic X-rays create an image of your entire mouth.
The process uses a very small volume of ionizing radiation to create the image, but no radiation remains within your body after the procedure. The process is safe and effective. Your providers can even use it to create dental imaging in children.
When are panoramic X-rays used?
Dentists use panoramic X-rays to learn more about the structures within your mouth, including the tissues beneath your gum line. The ability to visualize your entire mouth at once provides excellent context for the resulting images.
Some of the issues a panoramic X-ray can reveal include the following:
- Jaw bone cysts
- Impacted wisdom teeth
- Sinusitis
- Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ)
- Signs of oral cancer, including tumors
Panoramic X-rays are also used to determine the extent of periodontal disease. Once your dentist examines the imaging, the next step involves shaping a treatment plan for your specific needs.
What should I expect during a panoramic X-ray?
Panoramic X-rays require very little in the way of preparation. You’ll need to remove any jewelry, eyeglasses, or other metal objects like hair clips.
A heavy lead apron rests over your shoulders during the imaging. This is a precautionary step to limit the amount of radiation allowed to enter your body. There is no pain or any form of discomfort during your X-ray.
The entire process takes less than a minute. You stand or sit still as the X-ray machine moves in a semicircle around your head. At no point does the machine make contact with your body.
The resulting imaging is immediately available in a digital format. Your dentist can adjust the contrast or zoom in on specific areas. All your imaging remains in your personal dental record and can help your dentist track changes over time. If you need to relocate to another area, these records can be easily transferred to your new dental home.
If you have additional questions about panoramic X-rays or any other advanced dental tool, simply call the office to schedule a visit, or book online in just a matter of moments.