Most, if not all, dental practices these days have embraced the latest advancements in technological equipment. These devices allow dentists and dental hygienists to prevent, diagnose, and treat issues pertaining to your teeth and gums far more accurately.
X-ray machines, in particular, have progressed quite quickly, providing dentists and oral surgeons in Danvers with 3D and high-quality images of your mouth as well as the underlying bone and tissues structure too. One noteworthy type of x-ray to be aware of is panoramic x-rays.
For more information about receiving panoramic x-rays in Danvers, get in touch with our dentist in Danvers today! Our staff will be happy to walk you through the process, so you know what it entails.
What is a Panoramic X-Ray?
As the name suggests, this specific type of x-ray takes two-dimensional (2D) photos of your entire mouth, just as a panoramic photo taken on with your camera captures all your surroundings. Unlike a standard x-ray that simple focuses on your mouth, panoramic x-rays include images of your mouth – more specifically, all your teeth, your upper and lower jaw, the temporomandibular joints (TMJ joints) in your face, the sinuses in your nose, and the bones that make up the rest of your head and neck. As a result, your dentist is able to develop a more complete picture of how oral health issues impact the rest of your body.
That said, a panoramic x-ray is an excellent tool to prevent and identify larger health problems including conditions that impact your jaw and by extension, your ability to chew, and irregularity regarding your facial tissues that are not readily visible to the naked eye. More traditional dental concerns like gum disease, cavities, abscesses and cysts, and can also be detected.
Orthodontists, who specialized in the realignment of your teeth and jaw, may also rely on these x-rays to plan and execute dental care that that involves metal braces or Invisalign. Lastly, it can also aid in the placement of dental implants, dental bridges, and dentures.
Why Might I Need to Receive a Panoramic X-Ray?
Your dentist may recommend receiving panoramic x-rays near you for a variety of reasons, the most common reasons being the following:
1. For improved care.
Panoramic x-rays essentially provide a more inclusive snapshot of how the systems in your mouth, neck, and head all coincide. This means that your dentist will be able to visualize how any potential issues involving your dental hygiene will impact your overall health as well as how to move forward.
2. Helps with early detection.
Especially where oral cancers are concerned, early detection is crucial. Panoramic x-rays assist dentists and other health professionals identify anything that may be of concern. Not to mention this process is minimally invasive and is over quickly. Plus, early detection of health issues will save you time, money, and worry down the road.
3. It’ll help prolong your life.
Expanding off point number two, x-rays are a preventative measure regarding oral cancer. The earlier oral cancer is identified, the easier it is to treat.
4. Helps discover changes in your oral health.
Alongside helping your dentist to establish a detailed baseline of you oral hygiene, panoramic x-rays also help them discover notable changes too. These changes can include the shifting of your teeth, decay, or bone deterioration. Therefore, it’s recommended that you visit a dentist near you to receive a panoramic x-ray approximately every three to five years.
5. It’s useful for different stages and types of care.
Panoramic x-rays are a great tool to monitor the health of children, teenagers, and adults alike. Kids and teenagers often experience rapid dental changes and growth due to the many adjustments that their bodies undergo. So, having x-rays taken can help dentists stay on top of these changes as well as educate and inform patients about the state of their health.
If you’re interested in learning morning about panoramic x-rays get in touch with our local dental clinic. We’ll be able to answer all your questions and concerns about the process.
Receiving a Panoramic X-Ray
Coming in to have panoramic x-rays – or any type of dental x-ray, for that matter – is a simple, painless process.
Your head will be stabilized using forehead, chin, and side rests; it’s important that you don’t move while the x-rays are being taken. This ensures that the images that are produced are as clear as they can be. You’ll be given a bite-blocker so that your mouth can stay open, which allows your teeth and gums to be photographed.
The machine itself rotates around your head. This semi-circular movement is what produces the panoramic-style image of your mouth, jaw, head, and neck. This entire treatment takes no longer than minutes to complete. Then, if you’re not receiving further dental treatment, you’ll be free to go about the rest of your day.
Once again, it’s typically recommended that you have panoramic x-rays taken about every three to five years so that your dental records remain up-to-date, and so that both you and your dentist can ensure that your oral health stays on track. The amount of radiation that is admitted during this process is extremely minimal, making it safe to receive. Should you still have concerns, always be sure to let your dentist know beforehand.
Furthermore, dental x-rays are quite affordable, sitting at a relative low price compared to other treatments such as a dental cleaning and checkup or receiving a dental filling. And, in the grand scheme of things, it’s certainly worth the money and the time as it’ll save you headaches and stress that will undoubtedly come with more serious dental problems like root canal therapy or a cancerous mass.
Here at our Danvers Family Dental, our staff is here to assist you with all your oral health needs. We’re proud to offer all our patients, both new and returning, the best in modern dental technology. Call or visit our website to book a consultation or an appointment today!