At the first appointment our office takes a panorex x-ray and 4 bitewing x-rays. Some patients ask why we need the panorex. The reason is that the panorex is important for future comparison and shows the condition of your teeth, its roots, jaw placement and the overall composition of your facial bones. It helps determine the presence or degree of periodontal (gum) disease, abscesses and many abnormal growths, such as cysts and tumors. The bite wing x-rays only show the crowns of the teeth giving the best view of cavities between the teeth that cannot be seen by a visual exam.
Two recent senarios:
1. We had a 52 year old female patient come in for a new patient exam. From her panorex we were able to diagnose that one of her teeth had died (was necrotic) and that it needed root canal treatment. Without the panorex, we would have had to wait until the tooth infection got big enough for her to experience pain. With the panorex we were able to diagnose and save her tooth without waiting for the infection or pain to increase.
2. We had a 12 year old female come in for a new patient exam. Although she had been to a dentist before, we diagnosed that she had multiple missing teeth and would need orthodontic treatment right away to maintain the space needed for the implant she would need to replace one of her missing teeth.
- Without a panorex, we are not able to give patients a complete diagnosis of their oral state.
- Without a panorex, both of the patients above would not received the care they deserve.
