Panoramic x-ray of teeth: why do I need a panoramic shot of the jaw?

An overview of teeth is called an orthopantogram.In fact, this is the roentgenogram of the upper and lower jaw.Panoramic images allow doctors to see the whole picture, to assess the extent of the spread of the disease, to make an accurate diagnosis and to develop the right treatment strategy.Where to take a panoramic snapshot of teeth and how much will it cost?

The essence of the orthopantogram

This procedure is abbreviated .It is a circular X-ray, on which both jaws, unfolded into the plane, are clearly visible.The dentist sees on this roentgen not only teeth, their roots, canals, seals and crowns.Such a picture allows you to assess the condition of the periodontium, maxillary sinuses, sinuses.

The picture is taken on a special device - orthopantomograph.Despite the use of the same technology as in conventional x-rays, the radiation load on the patient with panoramic X-ray is several times smaller.For this reason, an overview X-ray can be safely done annually, and if necessary, the frequency of the procedure can be safely increased.

There are two types of orthopantograms: traditional with film and digital.

Dentists use an X-ray panoramic image when they require to get a complete view of the jaw structure.Assessing the overview image, doctors carefully study the dentition and jaw, their position relative to the maxillary sinus and the mandibular nerve.Using orthopantomograms, doctors receive information about the condition of the fillings and the quality of the canal closure, reveal hidden pathological changes in the periodontium and much more.Therefore, we can safely say that panoramic X-ray of teeth is the most important method of diagnosis in the treatment of diseases of the oral cavity.

Orthopantomogram is very fond of dentists-orthodontists, because it allows you to determine how much bone tissue has survived in the implant placement area.Is it enough or need to do a sine-lifting before implantation?Also, an overview X-ray makes it possible to predict the dynamics of engraftment of implants and to precisely determine their dimensions.

The orthopantomogram is very important for to understand the positioning of the eights - the most problematic teeth.On its basis, a decision is made to treat or remove the wisdom tooth.A sighting X-ray is not very informative here.

Panoramic tooth image is obtained by turning in the plane of the volumetric image.This means that the picture can be marked with various distortions that make it difficult to interpret visual data.Because of this, in dental practice orthopantomogram is considered to be the primary diagnostic method using X-ray, on the basis of which further tactics of deeper examination and treatment are built.After a panoramic X-ray of the teeth, dental radiography, periodontology, CT, radiophysiography are often used to clarify the diagnosis.

Indications for the panoramic image of the teeth

Overview of the teeth of the is used in all sections of the dentistry:

• Therapeutic dentistry uses such an X-ray to develop an oral plan.
• In periodontology to assess the degree of periodontal damage and the selection of the best treatment.
• In orthodontics, a panoramic X-ray of the teeth helps to correct bite effectively with minimal costs.
• Orthopedics and implantology use an orthopantomogram to plan implant placement and denture restoration operations.
• In surgical dentistry, an overview X-ray allows you to make the right decision about the treatment or removal of the teeth, as well as the advisability of other surgical procedures.

The decision to conduct a panoramic X-ray can be made by the dentist on the basis of the patient's complaints.For example, the patient can not accurately localize the pain in the tooth or jaws, in this case, you can determine the localization of the pathology with a survey image.

Overview X-ray is used for the examination of children, since the age of 5 years .Children's dentistry with the help of panoramic images observe the growth of dental plates, control the level of filling of the teeth with minerals.

Orthopantomograms are used even by ENT doctors.Survey images give them the necessary information on the condition of the maxillary sinuses, nasal septum and nasal passages.

The only contraindication to the panoramic X-ray of the teeth is pregnancy.This is a relative contraindication.After consultation with the obstetrician-gynecologist and neonatologist, a panoramic snapshot of the teeth can still be done.

Digital and film panoramic image of teeth

Panoramic panoramic X-ray today is used less and less because of the appearance of more modern digital equipment.It has a number of advantages:

• 20 times the reduced dose of radiation.
• The information is immediately displayed on the computer screen and, therefore, excludes the use of the film, making the procedure more affordable.
• The digital image can be easily processed and stored.If necessary, you can send it by e-mail.
• The digital orthopantomograph produces a sharper image that does not lose its characteristics over time, as it does with film shots.

Technique for performing orthopantomograms

A qualitative panoramic image of the teeth can be obtained only if the patient does not move and the takes the correct position of the .Before the procedure the patient must remove from himself prostheses, watches and any decorations.

For the symmetrical arrangement of the patient's head with respect to the radiographic apparatus, the chin rest is used.The patient is seated so that his chin lies on the stop, and then the head is leveled in three planes.At the moment when the picture is taken, the patient should sit with his shoulders down and his neck straight.To ensure that the head does not move to the sides, it is attached to the frontal and parietal retainers.The patient also presses the tongue against the sky at the request of the doctor.If all the requirements are met, then the doctor gets an excellent panoramic image without distortion and shadow layers.

The X-ray apparatus on which the survey images are taken has an emitter and an digital or film receiver .The latter moves around the patient's head, allowing you to get the image in different projections.The result is a two-dimensional flat image.

Where to take a panoramic snapshot of teeth and how much does it cost?

Today orthopantomogram can be done in any large dental clinic.Moreover, even small clinics are increasingly offering similar services, because used orthopantomographs are quite affordable.Patients make a choice based on the territorial availability and cost of the service.On average in Moscow, a panoramic snapshot of teeth costs 1000 rubles.In some clinics, is charged for this service.In regions, the orthopantomogram is a little cheaper.