Panoramic X-Rays

Some of the most important things affecting your oral health are not visible to the naked eye. Panoramic X-rays, also known as panorex images, give your dental team a broad, complete view of your entire mouth in a single image — including all of your teeth, your upper and lower jaws, the temporomandibular joints, your sinuses, and the surrounding bone structures. At Creating Beautiful Smiles in Racine, WI, we use panoramic X-rays as a valuable diagnostic tool that helps us see the full picture of your oral health.

Unlike the small bitewing X-rays that capture individual sections of your bite, a panoramic image is a sweeping view that reveals information no other single X-ray can provide. We use panoramic X-rays to evaluate the development and positioning of wisdom teeth, to detect cysts or tumors in the jaw, to assess bone health and density, to evaluate the temporomandibular joints, to plan for implant placement, and to screen for pathology in patients who may not have any obvious symptoms.

Panoramic X-rays are typically recommended as part of a new patient examination and are taken periodically thereafter based on your individual dental history, age, and health needs. They are particularly valuable for growing patients whose jaws and teeth are still developing, for patients being evaluated for oral surgery or implants, and for anyone whose dental history includes a history of cysts, tumors, or significant bone concerns.

Getting a panoramic X-ray at Creating Beautiful Smiles is one of the simplest diagnostic procedures in dentistry. There are no X-ray films to bite down on, no uncomfortable positioning inside your mouth, and no preparation required. You will stand or sit in front of the panoramic X-ray unit, position your chin on a small rest, and gently bite down on a bite guide to help stabilize the image. The arm of the machine then rotates around your head in a slow arc, capturing the full panoramic image in a matter of seconds.

The procedure is completely painless and comfortable for patients of all ages. We use digital panoramic technology that delivers a high-quality image while minimizing radiation exposure. As with all X-rays in our office, we follow the ALARA principle — keeping radiation exposure As Low As Reasonably Achievable — and only recommend imaging when the clinical benefit justifies it.

After the image is captured, your provider will review it with you and walk you through what it shows. We love taking the time to share these images with our patients because it helps everyone feel more connected to and informed about their own oral health. If your panoramic X-ray reveals anything that needs attention, we will explain our findings clearly, answer your questions, and discuss your options with care and transparency.