Equipment
Panoramic X-Ray
A single rotating X-ray that captures the entire upper and lower jaws in one image.
A panoramic radiograph (often called a "pano" or OPG) is taken with a machine that rotates around the patient's head, producing a flat, wide image of both jaws, all the teeth, the temporomandibular joints, and the maxillary sinuses. It does not show interproximal cavities as well as bitewings, but it is invaluable for evaluating wisdom teeth, impacted or missing teeth, jaw fractures, large cysts or tumours, bone levels in periodontal disease, and the position of the inferior alveolar nerve before extractions or implants. Most patients receive a panoramic X-ray every three to five years.