Reviewed by Dr. Nicole M. Berger, DDS — South Florida Smile Spa, Pompano Beach, FL
Panoramic X-rays in Pompano Beach give Dr. Nicole M. Berger the whole picture in one image: every tooth in both jaws, the roots, the bone that holds them, the sinuses above the upper teeth, the nerve canals in the lower jaw and the two jaw joints, captured in a single fourteen-second sweep on the Orthophos S 3D unit at South Florida Smile Spa. It is the overview image taken at a new-patient exam and every few years after, the first step in assessing wisdom teeth, implants and dentures, and the film that catches cysts, impacted teeth and bone changes that a small bitewing would never show. This page explains what a panoramic image shows, when it is taken and how it differs from bitewings and 3D scans.
Quick answer
A panoramic X-ray is a single wide image of the whole mouth, upper and lower jaws, sinuses, nerve canals and jaw joints, taken from outside the mouth as the machine rotates around your head. At South Florida Smile Spa in Pompano Beach it is taken at the new-patient exam as a baseline, every three to five years after, and whenever wisdom teeth, implants, dentures, jaw pain or a suspected cyst or impacted tooth need an overview. It takes about fourteen seconds, nothing is placed in the mouth, and the dose is low. It does not show small cavities between teeth as well as bitewings, and it is two-dimensional, so a 3D cone-beam scan is used when exact position or bone volume matters.
What It Shows
Panoramic X-rays in Pompano Beach: the whole mouth in one image
The value of a panoramic image is breadth. It is the one picture that shows everything at once, which is why it is the starting point for so many decisions.
- All the teeth and roots. Including teeth that have not erupted, extra teeth, and roots of teeth planned for extraction.
- Wisdom teeth. Their position, angle and relationship to the nerve canal, which decides whether removal is simple or a surgical referral.
- Bone levels and lesions. Generalized bone loss from gum disease, cysts, and other changes in the jaw that have no symptoms yet.
- Sinuses and nerve canals. The anatomy that implant and denture planning must respect.
- Jaw joints. The bony outline of both TMJs, a first screen before a TMJ or sleep appliance workup.
The American Dental Association’s page on dental X-rays describes the panoramic image among the standard types and when each is recommended.
The Scan
Having a panoramic X-ray at South Florida Smile Spa
- Metal removed. Glasses, earrings, hair clips and removable dentures or retainers come out; a lead apron is placed.
- Positioning. You stand or sit at the unit, bite gently on a small rest and rest your forehead against a support; the unit aligns itself.
- Sweep. The arm travels around your head in about fourteen seconds. You hold still and keep your tongue against the roof of your mouth.
- Review. The image appears on screen within a minute and Dr. Berger goes through it with you.
- Next steps. Anything that needs a closer look gets a bitewing, a periapical or a 3D scan; most panoramic images simply confirm all is well.
Panoramic, bitewing or 3D: which image when
The three complement each other. A panoramic image is the overview; it is excellent for wisdom teeth, cysts, bone levels and a baseline, but its resolution is too low to catch a small cavity between back teeth, which is the job of bitewings. When the question is exact position or bone volume, for an implant, an impacted tooth near the nerve, a root fracture or the jaw joints, the two-dimensional panoramic image is not enough and a 3D cone-beam scan is taken on the same unit. Dr. Berger chooses the smallest image that answers the question.
Dose and frequency
A digital panoramic image delivers a dose comparable to a few days of natural background radiation, lower than a full-mouth series of individual films and far lower than a medical CT. It is taken at the new-patient exam, every three to five years for adults with no concerns, more often when wisdom teeth, implants or bone loss are being followed, and at the age when children’s adult teeth are developing to check that everything is present and on course. Images are kept on file and shared with the oral surgeon or orthodontist on referral so they are not repeated.
Care in Pompano Beach
Why patients choose South Florida Smile Spa for imaging
- The full picture first. A baseline panoramic image at the new-patient exam so nothing is missed.
- Nothing in the mouth. Taken from outside, ideal for gaggers and children.
- Explained on screen. Reviewed with you within a minute of being taken.
- Smallest image that answers the question. Panoramic, bitewing or 3D chosen case by case.
- Shared, not repeated. Images sent to the surgeon or orthodontist on referral.
Patients come to us from Pompano Beach, Lighthouse Point, Deerfield Beach, Fort Lauderdale and Coconut Creek for care planned with the imaging and tools described on this page.
A new-patient exam or a wisdom tooth question
Book with Dr. Berger. A panoramic X-ray takes fourteen seconds and is reviewed with you the same visit.
South Florida Smile Spa · Dr. Nicole M. Berger, DDS · 572 E McNab Rd, Suite 102, Pompano Beach, FL 33060 · (954) 785-1100
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a panoramic X-ray show?
All the teeth in both jaws including unerupted ones, the roots, bone levels, cysts and lesions, the sinuses, the nerve canals and the jaw joints, in one image.
How often is a panoramic X-ray needed?
At the new-patient exam, then every three to five years for most adults, more often when wisdom teeth, implants or bone loss are being monitored, and once in late childhood to check tooth development.
Is it safe?
Yes. A digital panoramic image is a low dose, comparable to a few days of natural background radiation, taken with a lead apron. Pregnant patients have it postponed unless urgent.
Does it replace bitewing X-rays?
No. Bitewings show small cavities between the back teeth far better. The panoramic image is the overview; bitewings are the cavity check.
Will I need a 3D scan as well?
Only if exact position or bone volume matters: implants, an impacted tooth near the nerve, a suspected root fracture or jaw-joint problem. The 3D scan is taken on the same unit when needed.
Do you see patients from outside Pompano Beach?
Yes. Patients come from Lighthouse Point, Deerfield Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Coconut Creek and across Broward County, and a panoramic image is part of the first visit. The office is at 572 E McNab Rd, Suite 102, Pompano Beach. Call (954) 785-1100 or request an appointment.