The medical environment keeps on advancing strategies and making significant innovations regarding diseases diagnosis and treatment procedures. The panoramic dental x-ray, in other words, panoramic radiography is a two-dimensional examination that captures the details of the entire mouth in a single image (2-D). In this case, it provides a clear anterior view regarding the teeth, upper and lower jaws as well as the structures and tissues that surround the mouth (Brennan, 2014). Indeed, the jaw is curvy in its structure which highly resembles the shape of a horseshoe. However, a panoramic x-ray gives a flattened image of the jaw’s arrangement and gives a very clear image of the bones in the mouth and the teeth.
In its structure, the panoramic x-ray machine consists of two very distinct but closely linked sides. On one side, there is the mounting of an X-ray tube while the other side contains a detector. Just like in the conventional x-ray procedures, the radiation waves pass through the part of the body that a medical officer is examining to detect and provide the details of the unseen part. In a panoramic x-ray assessment, the examination tube rotates within and around a person’s head but from one jaw to the other. However, different from the past where one could rely on the beams from the mouth, the current case is different. The machine projects a beam right through the patient’s mouth into a detector rotating on the opposite side of the examination x-ray tube (Claus et al., 2012).
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Reflecting on the history of the case, it is just until today that there is electronic storage of the images from the x-ray. In the past, the case involved the use of photographic negatives, and the dental environment maintained the images in the form of large film sheets. In the development of the concept, the initial attempt to come up with the idea of the panoramic systems was between 1985 and 1991. Through the idea of McDavid and colleagues, there was a significant progress of the medical concept through linear pixel array sensors although it had a low quality in generator efficiency and tomography effect as well (Doyle, Martin & Robertson, 2014).
Nonetheless, despite the challenge in tomography and efficiency Catalin Stoichita in 1995 made an improved fashion of the design to include a retrofit to the existing design systems. Further, the first digital option came in 1997 through Siemens and by 2004, many manufacturers could produce distinct versions of panoramic x-ray systems (Brennan, 2014). Indeed, it is a very worth innovation in dental medicine since the technician just requires to position the head of a patient carefully. Adjustments are also easy while offering painless, quick and an easy process to perform. It some cases, the process is quite efficient if an intraoral examination is required.
A panoramic dental x-ray requires no preparation. It is one of the ordinary procedures in a working day of a dentist and oral surgeons which significantly helps for diagnostic purposes. Its main advantage is that it can offer a wider coverage as compared to the traditional intraoral x-ray. In regard, it is a useful tool for checking information concerning maxillary sinuses (Molander et al., 2014). Also, the images are very helpful when information about teeth positioning is needed or any other possible bone abnormality especially in the mouth. On the same case, in a situation where a dentist has the required information about the structure, positioning, infection among other issues, it is possible to plan effectively for the treatment for full or partial dentures (Claus et al., 2012). More so, there is sufficient response regarding braces or extractions as well as for the cases involving implants.
Other than examining the shape and structure of the jaws, a panoramic x-ray is useful as it can also reveal dental and medical problems. For instance, through the scans and the clear images, a dentist can detect cysts in the jaw bones and advice on the best response procedure. On the same, the images can reveal the probability or presence of jaw tumors as well as issues concerning oral cancer. Above all, it is a reliable procedure to reveal issues about impacted teeth if any, sinusitis, and TMJ disorders. Indeed, it is not just a physical examination but a procedure that goes beyond physical examination to give a detailed reflection/analysis of all conditions that are periodontal in nature. In fact, a panoramic x-ray divulge unknown issues in advanced periodontal diseases situations, which helps a dentist or oral surgeon to advice or give the proper medical attention without the possibility of treatment errors (Brennan, 2014).
Highly related to the medical importance as noted, there are numerous benefits that come along with the use of panoramic dental x-rays. With no doubt, it is a comfortable and convenient procedure that exposes a patient to no risks of radiation since there is none that remains in the patient’s body after examination (Claus et al., 2012). In like manner, in the normal diagnostic range, there are no major cases regarding side effects that are known or scientifically researched about the x-rays. The other advantage is all about age. Panoramic x-rays can as well work well even in young children, which stems from the condition that it is not necessary to place the films inside the mouth when doing a dental examination. Above all, the entire process gives a great medical experience in providing a better patience acceptance procedure that is also easier for dentist and staff. The only limitation is only during pregnancy.
In conclusion, it is no doubt that the role of panoramic x-rays for dentists and oral surgeon is vital and has made procedures easier and accurate. The most notable advantage is that far from showing the structure of the jaw, the scans can reveal the possibility of advanced cases that include oral cancer and jaw tumors. Most importantly, it is not case selective since dentists can conveniently use the machines with children with no special attention. It is also important to note that at all times the procedure doesn’t expose a patient to a lot of radiation which has side effects in later development. In its entirety, it is a safe and reliable process.
References
Brennan, J. (2014). An introduction to digital radiography in dentistry. Journal of Orthodontics .
Claus, E. B., Calvocoressi, L., Bondy, M. L., Schildkraut, J. M., Wiemels, J. L., & Wrensch, M. (2012). Dental x‐rays and risk of meningioma. Cancer , 118 (18), 4530-4537.
Doyle, P., Martin, C. J., & Robertson, J. (2014). Techniques for measurement of dose-width product in panoramic dental radiography. The British journal of radiology .
Molander, B., Gröndahl, H. G., & Ekestubbe, A. (2014). Quality of film-based and digital panoramic radiography. Dentomaxillofacial Radiology .
