Panoramic X-Rays in Salida, CO

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.