How Do Panoramic X-Rays Help Dentists Diagnose?

Panoramic X-rays at the dentists can take photos of the entire mouth in just one click. Used for everything from extractions to implants, this diagnostic tool can be used on nearly any patient. The radiation dose is very small and only requires you to remove any metal objects or jewelry and don a lead apron for the test. We’ll look at how they work and why they’re been so helpful for dentists in Woodbury, MN.

How Panoramic X-Rays Work

Panoramic X-rays show the teeth, upper jaw, lower jaw, tissues, and all surrounding structures to the dentist, meaning they can examine the details of your bones and teeth. This is when they spot anomalies that could lead to larger issues down the road, such as a cyst in the jaw bone, impacted teeth, oral cancer, or gum disease.

Why It Matters

Your head, neck, and jaw can be photographed separately with traditional X-rays, but being able to see everything together is undeniably helpful for a dentist in Woodbury, MN. They get a better sense of how it all works together, which is the best way to diagnose early on — otherwise known as the best possible time for intervention. For more severe disorders like cancer, it can even save your life.

Small Shifts

When your teeth move, they do so at a very slow rate. If a dentist isn’t paying attention, they could easily miss the adjustments until your alignment is too far out of balance. With panoramic X-rays, dentists have an easy way to compare and contrast recent photos with those taken several years ago. Regardless of how old a patient is, this can be pivotal for treating different orthodontic conditions, including TMJ, in stages.

Find a Dentist in Woodbury, MN

A dentist that invests in the right kind of dental technology is a professional who’s looking out for the well being of their patients. At Woodlane Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, you’ll find that we use panoramic X-rays in Woodbury, MN to get a comprehensive understanding of the mouth, which can be instrumental in giving all of our clients world-class care. Contact us today to find out more about how our devices, including an intraoral camera, can all support your oral health.