Panoramic Dental X-Rays Near You in Edmonton, AB

What are Panoramic Dental X-rays?

Panoramic x-rays in Edmonton are digital images of your teeth, soft tissues, and bones. This type of x-ray technology helps your dentist assess your oral health overall. Periapical or bitewing x-rays are close-up pictures. Panoramic images display a broader view. They allow you and your dentist to see your teeth, jaws, sinuses, nasal area, and jaw joints.

There are different types of x-rays available at Great Smile Family Dental. Our Edmonton dentist uses each type to get a clearer picture of your oral health. When viewed, your dentist gains a full understanding of what is going on with your teeth, soft tissues, and the entire mouth. Panoramic x-rays may not be included in your routine dental exam. However, this type of imaging can be very useful at detecting problems that traditional x-rays can’t.

Unlike a traditional x-ray that is shot with film, a panoramic x-ray is taken with a digital sensor. Therefore, there is no film to develop. Digital images can be viewed immediately. Also, our dentist in Edmonton, AB can enlarge, enhance, and adjust the contrast and brightness. As a result, panoramic digital x-rays make it easier for your dentist to identify issues.

Digital Panoramic X-Ray Process

Extraoral panoramic x-rays are taken outside of the mouth. Films are placed inside the mouth to capture traditional x-rays. This process can be uncomfortable. An extraoral imaging machine projects a beam through your oral cavity to get the picture. A horizontal arm can be positioned toward the target area. A second arm contains the film. The panoramic x-ray machine will then glide around the outside of your face, mouth, and neck.

Benefits of Panoramic X-rays

This type of imaging is not used to reveal decay or cavities. Routine periapical x-rays can identify cavities and other oral health conditions. However, there are other issues that only a panoramic x-ray will show. In fact, research has shown that panoramic x-rays are most effective at detecting lesions in the neck, sinus cavities, and upper jawbone. In addition, they can also help locate the following problems:

• Bone abnormalities
• Cysts
• Fractures
• Impacted teeth
• Infections
• Tumors

Our family dentist in Edmonton, AB recommends panoramic x-rays every 2 to 5 years to check the teeth and mouth for problems. As we age, our health is always able to change, meaning you must monitor and maintain your oral health. If you have concerns about radiation, digital panoramic x-rays are an excellent alternative.

Get Panoramic Dental X-Rays Near You

Are you seeking panoramic dental x-rays near West Edmonton, AB? Call us now or book an appointment with Great Smile Family Dental to get panoramic dental X-rays in Edmonton, AB!