What It Shows
A panoramic X-ray provides a broad overview of the entire mouth in a single image. It captures all the teeth, both upper and lower jaws, the sinuses, the jaw joints, and the nasal area.
The panoramic view is useful for seeing the position of wisdom teeth (including impacted teeth that have not yet erupted), assessing bone levels across the full arch, evaluating overall jaw structure, and identifying abnormalities that might not be visible on individual bitewing X-rays.
When Used
Panoramic X-rays are used in specific clinical situations where a full-mouth view adds diagnostic value that individual X-rays do not provide.
- New patient evaluations, to establish a baseline picture of the full mouth
- Wisdom tooth assessment, particularly for teeth not yet visible in the mouth
- Pre-implant screening to evaluate bone volume and anatomy before detailed CBCT imaging
- Orthodontic and aligner treatment planning
- Jaw joint (TMJ) assessment as part of a broader evaluation