A Panorex x-ray is a two-dimensional x-ray; it displays your jaws, the upper and lower, as well as the teeth, at the same time.

Panorex films have several uses. They are used regularly for orthodontic assessments, diagnosis of wisdom teeth impaction, diagnosis of advanced periodontal disease, assessment of the jaw joint, as well as for detecting signs of oral cancer.

During a Panorex x-ray, the patient is asked to bite directly down on a specialized tool that works to assist the operator in positioning the head of the patient in the right position. The patient is also asked to remain extremely still during the x-ray. Once the x-ray is taken, it is displayed digitally on a computer monitor, or it is processed onto regular x-ray film, which is the traditional approach.

Please feel free to speak to Dr. Burrows, Dr. Bevans or any one of our Abby Dental Care team members on how our Panoramic X-ray technology allows us to bring patient care to a higher, safer and improved level.

A Cephalometric x-ray, which is also sometimes referred to simply as a ceph, is a diagnostic radiograph used primarily for orthodontic treatment planning. A Cephalometric x-ray is taken during the orthodontic records appointment.

Process of a Cephalometric X-Ray

The process of undergoing a Cephalometric x-ray is pretty straightforward. Concentrating on the patient’s profile, or side view of the head, our dental assistant positions the patient according to specific criteria necessary when taking a Cephalometric x-ray.

The exposure takes approximately 10 seconds and the x-ray is developed in approximately five to six minutes. Both Dr. Burrows and Dr. Bevans feel that it is quite important to be equipped with the equipment necessary to take a Cephalometric x-rays.

Once developed, Dr. Burrows or Dr. Bevans calculate how the patient’s jaw and surrounding bone will be affected by orthodontic treatment, along with how it will affect the growth pattern of the jaw and teeth. This can be used to determine potential courses of action and routes of treatment.

Cephalometric x-rays may be taken intermediately throughout orthodontic treatment, although Dr. Burrows or Dr. Bevans will only take a preliminary ceph, then a final ceph when treatment is completed. Occasionally, they will decide to take a ceph in the middle of orthodontic treatment to monitor progress.

Please feel free to speak to Dr. Burrows, Dr. Bevans or any one of our Abby Dental Care team members on how the Cephalometric X-ray allows us to bring patient care to a higher, safer and improved level.