Plan Your Care With a Broader View of Your Teeth and Jaw
Some dental concerns require a view beyond a single tooth. At The Dentist, Dr. Jeffrey Kirian uses panoramic X-rays when a wider image would help evaluate your mouth or plan treatment. This image shows your upper and lower teeth and jaws together, adding information to your clinical examination.
Call 740-366-1236 to schedule an evaluation in Newark, Ohio. We will explain whether imaging is needed and how it would help guide your care.
What a Panoramic X-Ray Can Show
A panoramic X-ray creates a two-dimensional overview of your teeth, jaws and surrounding structures. It can help assess tooth position, unerupted or impacted teeth and certain changes in the jawbone.
Its value depends on the question being investigated. Dr. Kirian may use the image to:
- Evaluate tooth position: Assess where teeth sit within the jaws.
- Investigate concerns: Review areas that need attention beyond what is visible in the mouth.
- Support treatment planning: Gather information relevant to tooth removal or replacement.
- Explain findings: Help you understand how the image relates to a recommendation.
Imaging Based on Your Needs
A panoramic X-ray is not automatically needed at every appointment. Dr. Kirian considers your symptoms, medical and dental history, examination findings and available previous images before recommending imaging.
If you have recent X-rays from another office, let our team know. We can discuss obtaining those records and whether they provide the information needed for your care.
What Happens During the X-Ray?
Our team positions your head and helps you stay aligned while the machine moves around you. The image detector remains outside your mouth, although a small positioning guide may be placed between your teeth.
You will need to remain still for the brief exposure. We may ask you to remove glasses, jewelry or removable items that could interfere with the image. Tell us about any difficulty standing, positioning your head or biting on the guide so we can discuss your needs.
A Wide View Has Limits
A panoramic image provides an overview rather than a detailed picture of every tooth. Smaller dental X-rays may still be needed to investigate a particular area.
Panoramic imaging also differs from cone beam imaging, which produces three-dimensional information. The appropriate type of imaging depends on the clinical question and the information required.
Understanding Radiation Exposure
Panoramic X-rays use a small amount of ionizing radiation. Dr. Kirian recommends imaging when the expected diagnostic benefit justifies the exposure.
Tell our team if you are pregnant or may be pregnant, and share any questions about imaging before the examination. We will explain the reason for the recommendation and discuss your circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions About Panoramic X-Rays
Does a panoramic X-ray hurt?
The exposure itself is painless. Positioning requires you to hold still briefly. Tell our team if the positioning guide or head supports are uncomfortable.
Does it replace all other dental X-rays?
No. Different images answer different questions. Additional views may be needed for details that a panoramic image does not show clearly.
Is a panoramic X-ray the same as a 3D scan?
No. A panoramic X-ray produces a two-dimensional image. Cone beam imaging provides three-dimensional information when that level of detail is clinically needed.
Will I need one before an extraction or tooth replacement?
That depends on the tooth, the planned treatment and your existing records. Dr. Kirian determines which images are appropriate after evaluating your needs.
Can I ask why an X-ray is recommended?
Yes. Ask what the image is intended to show and how it may affect your care. Our team wants you to understand the purpose of any recommended examination.
Understand the Next Step in Your Dental Care
Call 740-366-1236 or contact The Dentist to schedule a visit with Dr. Kirian in Newark, Ohio. We will evaluate your concerns, explain any imaging recommendations and review the findings with you.