DENTAL EXAMS

We use panoramic x-rays to plan treatment for dentures, braces, extractions & implants. You wear a lead apron to protect your body from a small dose of ionizing radiation to capture the whole mouth in one 2-D image of teeth, jaws, structures & tissues. Although the jaw is curved this x-ray makes a flat very detailed image. Unlike standard x-rays where the x-ray detector is in the mouth, the film of a panoramic x-ray is in the machine. It does not provide detailed information about each tooth or soft tissue. Because the mouth is curved a panoramic x-ray may create a blurry image so accurate measurements of teeth & jaw are not possible. For more information a computed tomography (CT Scan) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be ordered.