Panoramic dental digital x-ray, panorex, Bayonne, Jersey City, Staten Island
An orthopantogram - better known as a panoramic dental x-ray, or simply panorex - is a special machine used in modern dental diagnostics. By scanning both the upper and lower jaw in a half-circular movement it is able to give a detailed image of the whole cavity.
One panorex x-ray exposes the patient to much less radiation than taking a full set of 18 regular dental x-rays.
At the same time panorex provides detailed information about the patient's:
- nasal area
- sinuses
- jaw joints
- teeth
- and surrounding bone
There are many diseases that can be caught early thanks to the panoramic x-ray technology. We can see impacted teeth which are buried deeper than usual inside the jaw bone. TMJ syndrome can often be diagnosed early by observing an unusual flattening in the jaw joints - something which would never be caught on a regular dental x-ray.
The panorex lets us examine the patient's sinuses for polyps or excessive liquid formations. Such an examination can also reveal upper teeth with roots inside the sinus, which is important in treating for tooth ache as well as deciding on dental implants should those teeth be lost.
Thanks to the panoramic x-ray its a lot easier to spot oral cavity bone and connective tissue cancer. It is recommended to have at least one panorex every 3 years. This will give Dr. Zielinska the chance to compare each consecutive x-ray with the previous ones. This is the best way to spot any irregularities or changes, both benign and cancerous.
Digital X-RAY
The panoramic x-ray dr. Zielinska uses is digital. This means that instead of the regular x-ray film we use a special sensor to record the image and send it to a computer. This has numerous advantages.
Even Less Radiation
The digital x-ray usues up to 90% less radiation than a traditional x-ray. The amount of radiation a patient receives during such an exam is only about 10-20 days of regular backgorund radiation which we are naturally exposed to.
More Detail
The digital panoramic x-ray is recorded on a hard drive. Using a computer we can magnify the image much better that regular x-ray images. The picture is clearer and larger.
Better Storage & Transfer
Once stored on our hard drive, the digital x-rays can be easiy sent to a specialist, should you need special consultation. The digital image is also easier to store and less prone to getting lost or destroyed.