Panoramic X-Rays in Salida, CO
At Relaxation Dental, we use panoramic X-rays to capture a full view of your mouth, jaw, and surrounding structures in a single image.
This advanced imaging technology allows us to detect hidden dental issues, plan complex treatments, and monitor overall oral health with minimal radiation exposure.
Unlike traditional dental X-rays that focus on specific areas, a panoramic X-ray provides a complete picture of your teeth, jawbone, sinuses, and TMJ, making it an essential tool in preventive, restorative, and surgical dentistry.
What Are Panoramic X-Rays Used For?
Panoramic X-rays help us:
- Detect impacted teeth, including wisdom teeth, before they cause pain or crowding.
- Identify jawbone issues, such as bone loss, cysts, tumors, or fractures.
- Assess TMJ disorders by capturing the entire temporomandibular joint.
- Plan precise dental implant placement by evaluating bone density and structure.
- Monitor orthodontic progress for patients undergoing Invisalign® or traditional braces.
These detailed images allow us to catch early signs of dental and skeletal issues, helping prevent more serious conditions down the road.
How Panoramic X-Rays Work
A panoramic X-ray machine rotates around your head, capturing a complete 2D image of your mouth and jaw in just a few seconds. The process is:
- Quick & Painless – The scan takes less than 20 seconds with no discomfort.
- Minimal Radiation Exposure – Digital panoramic X-rays use significantly less radiation than traditional film X-rays.
- No Intraoral Sensors Needed – Unlike bitewing X-rays, you won’t need to bite down on any uncomfortable sensors.
Who Needs a Panoramic X-Ray?
Panoramic X-rays are recommended for:
- New patients as part of a comprehensive oral health assessment.
- Wisdom tooth evaluations to determine if extraction is needed.
- Patients considering dental implants to assess bone density.
- Orthodontic patients to track tooth movement and jaw alignment.
- Those experiencing jaw pain or bite issues for TMJ evaluation.
If you have symptoms of jaw pain, impacted teeth, or bone loss, a panoramic X-ray can provide critical diagnostic insights for personalized treatment planning.
Panoramic X-Rays vs. Traditional Digital X-Rays
Panoramic X-rays provide a wide-field view of the entire mouth, while traditional digital X-rays focus on specific areas of concern.
- Coverage – Panoramic X-rays capture the full mouth and jaw, whereas traditional X-rays focus on one section at a time.
- Radiation Exposure – Both methods use low radiation, but panoramic X-rays expose patients to even less radiation than film X-rays.
- Use Cases – Panoramic imaging is ideal for wisdom teeth, jaw disorders, and implant planning, while traditional X-rays are better suited for detecting cavities and minor fractures.
- Comfort – Since no sensors are placed inside the mouth, panoramic X-rays are more comfortable than traditional bitewing X-rays.
Both types of imaging are valuable, and your dentist will determine which is best for your specific dental needs.
Panoramic X-Rays & Treatment Planning
Panoramic imaging plays a crucial role in planning treatments such as:
- Wisdom teeth extractions – Identifying impacted teeth and their proximity to nerves.
- Dental implants – Ensuring the jawbone is strong enough for implant placement.
- TMJ treatment – Assessing joint alignment and detecting abnormalities.
Schedule Your Panoramic X-Ray Today
