Panoramic

What Is a Panoramic X-ray?

It’s an extraoral X-ray, where the imaging head rotates around your head while you stand still. Unlike small periapical X-rays, it gives a complete view of the entire oral and jaw region.

What a Panoramic X-ray Reveals

Complete view of all teeth (permanent & baby teeth in children)
Impacted or partially erupted wisdom teeth
Relationship of wisdom teeth to the inferior alveolar nerve
Impacted canines or other teeth in children
Cysts or tumours in the jaw bones
Jaw fractures
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) conditions
Sinus conditions (next to the upper jaw)
Overall bone loss from periodontitis
Progress of tooth development in children

When a Panoramic X-ray Is Needed

At the first visit to a new dentist (for an overall picture)
Before placing dental implants (as initial screening)
Before wisdom tooth extraction
Before starting orthodontic treatment
In children aged 7+ for an orthodontic check
If a cyst or tumour is suspected
After facial trauma
For TMJ pain

How It's Done: The Procedure

Preparation

We ask you to remove earrings, necklaces, glasses and anything metallic that may appear in the image

Positioning

You stand upright in front of the machine. We give you a special “bite block” to gently bite onto, for correct jaw alignment. We place a lead apron for protection.

Exposure (15–25 seconds):

The machine rotates around your head. You need to stay completely still. The exposure itself is painless and quiet.

Immediate result:

The digital image appears on our screen immediately. No waiting for “development”.

Benefits of Digital Panoramic

Up to 90% lower radiation dose than analogue methods
Immediate result. No chemical processing
Digital enhancement (zoom, contrast) for better diagnosis
Easy storage & electronic sharing
Comparison with previous X-rays across different time points
Less inconvenience for the patient

Panoramic vs CBCT (3D)

Panoramic is 2D and gives a “flat” image. CBCT is 3D and provides three-dimensional imaging and is used for:
Precise implant planning
Complex wisdom tooth extractions (close to the nerve)
Endodontic investigation of complex cases
Detailed mapping of pathologies
Panoramic is often the first step, followed by CBCT only where needed.

Everything You Need to Know

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is a panoramic X-ray safe?

Yes. A digital panoramic emits ~0.01–0.03 mSv of radiation, less than we receive from the environment in a single day. It’s safe even for repeated use when necessary.

How long does the examination take?

The exposure itself: 15–25 seconds. The entire process (preparation + exposure + assessment): about 5 minutes.

Does it hurt?

Not at all. It’s a completely painless and quiet procedure. You simply stand still for a few seconds.

Can it be done in children?

Yes, from about age 5–6, when the child can stay still for 25 seconds. It’s critical for orthodontic assessment and for monitoring permanent tooth development.

Can I have it during pregnancy?

It’s postponed if not urgent. If absolutely necessary (e.g. an abscess with swelling), it’s performed with a full lead apron, the dose is safe but we always apply maximum precaution.

Can I use a panoramic from another clinic?

Yes, if it’s recent (usually <12 months) and digital, so a new one isn’t needed. Send it by email or bring it on a USB.