Panoramic X-rays in Longmont, CO | Martin Family Orthodontics

What Is a Panoramic X-ray?

A panoramic X-ray (sometimes called a “pano”) shows the entire upper and lower jaw, every tooth from molar to molar, the jaw joints (TMJ), the sinuses, and the surrounding bone, all in a single curved image. The image is captured as the X-ray arm rotates slowly around your head while you stand still.

Unlike intraoral X-rays, where the sensor is placed inside the mouth, the panoramic image is taken with everything outside the mouth. This makes the appointment comfortable, especially for younger children and patients with a strong gag reflex.

Why Panoramic X-rays Matter in Orthodontics

Panoramic imaging is one of the most useful diagnostic tools at the start of orthodontic care. In a single image, Dr. Laurel Martin can evaluate:

• All erupted and developing teeth. Including roots and tooth angulation.
• Wisdom teeth. Their presence, position, and likelihood of causing future problems.
• Impacted or unerupted teeth. Common in children and teens with developing dentition.
• Tooth count and development. Whether all expected teeth are present and forming correctly.
• Bone structure of the upper and lower jaws.
• TMJ (temporomandibular joint) anatomy. Important when jaw pain or dysfunction is part of the case.
• Sinus position. Relevant for upper-arch treatment planning.
• Cysts, lesions, or developmental anomalies. Less common but important to rule out.

For most patients, a panoramic image is part of the initial orthodontic record. We may supplement it with periapical or cephalometric X-rays for closer-up detail, or with 3D CT scanning for cases that need volumetric information.

Benefits of Panoramic Imaging

Single, comprehensive image. One pano gives a complete view of the dentition and surrounding structures in seconds.

Low radiation. Modern digital panoramic X-rays use a low radiation dose, comparable to a couple of days of natural background exposure.

Comfortable. No sensors inside the mouth. Especially useful for children, patients with sensitive gag reflexes, or anyone with limited mouth opening.

Fast. The scan takes about 15 to 20 seconds. The complete appointment runs only a few minutes.

Excellent for developmental assessment. Panoramic imaging is the standard of care for evaluating tooth development in children and teens.

Easy to share. Digital panoramic images can be sent to general dentists, oral surgeons, or other specialists involved in your care.

When We Recommend a Panoramic X-ray

We typically take a panoramic X-ray at the start of comprehensive orthodontic treatment. We may also recommend one at additional points if:

• A patient is being evaluated for early orthodontic intervention as a child
• Wisdom teeth status needs assessment
• Significant time has passed since the last image and tooth development needs reassessment
• A new clinical concern arises that benefits from a wide-view image
• We are coordinating care with a general dentist or specialist who needs current imaging

We follow ALARA principles (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) for all imaging decisions and only recommend new images when clinically indicated.

What to Expect During Your Panoramic X-ray

The process is simple. You stand or sit in the imaging unit. A protective lead apron is placed over your body. You bite gently on a positioning bar to keep your jaw stable, and the imaging arm rotates around your head for about 15 to 20 seconds. You hold still and breathe normally. The image appears on the computer screen within seconds.

There is no special preparation needed. You can eat and drink normally beforehand. There is no contrast injection and no sedation. The full appointment, including positioning and reviewing the image, takes about 10 minutes.

Are Panoramic X-rays Safe for Children?

Yes. The radiation dose for a digital panoramic image is low, and we shield surrounding tissue with lead aprons and thyroid collars. For children, panoramic imaging is the standard tool used to evaluate developmental issues such as missing permanent teeth, impacted canines, supernumerary teeth, and the eruption sequence.

We only image children when the diagnostic information will affect treatment decisions. We will discuss the reasoning with the parent or guardian directly.