If you’ve had dental X-rays, you know how beneficial they can be in finding cavities. But what about dental problems not pertaining to your teeth?
At Brilliant Smiles of North Brunswick, there’s a dental X-ray that can help your North Brunswick, Central NJ, cosmetic dentist, Dr. Sonal Deshpande see other areas of your mouth. Much like a panoramic picture, the panoramic X-ray (Panorex) provides a full view of the scenery — in this case, your entire oral cavity!
The Panorex X-ray, a single picture of all your teeth and surrounding bones, provides a two-dimensional panoramic view of your mouth. It also exposes parts of your jaw that can’t be seen with traditional dental X-rays. With a panoramic X-ray, your North Brunswick, Central NJ, cosmetic dentist Dr. Sonal can view:
Your entire upper and lower jawbone
Your temporomandibular joints (TMJ), or jaw joints
The nasal sinuses and their surrounding bone
The mandibular nerve that provides sensation to the teeth and gums of the lower jaw
If you haven’t had a Panorex X-ray yet, you should know it’s nothing like you’ve experienced before. While you’ll still wear a lead apron to protect yourself from radiation, you’ll stand in the center of the machine. The camera rotates in a half-circle around your head, starting at one side of the jaw and ending at the other. For a clear picture, you’ll need to remain still — don’t worry, it only takes a few seconds for the process to complete.
The panoramic X-ray is an important diagnostic tool for your North Brunswick, Central NJ, cosmetic dentist Dr. Sonal Deshpande, to help in detecting tumors, cysts, abscesses, impacted teeth, infections, and other problems. At Brilliant Smiles of North Brunswick, Central NJ, cosmetic dental office, the panoramic X-ray is often used in the following areas of dental care:
Early Detection of Oral Cancer: Physical symptoms of oral cancer may not become evident until the cancer is advanced. A panoramic X-ray makes it easier to see cysts and tumors, whether benign or malignant.
TMJ/TMD: A better view of the TMJ makes it easier to diagnose the temporomandibular joint disorder or TMD.
Jaw Bone Problems: Fractures, trauma, or diseases of the jaw bone can be located on a Panorex X-ray.
Gum Disease: Receding bones, a sign of gum disease, can also be detected. Upon viewing your Panoramic X-ray, North Brunswick, Central NJ, cosmetic dentist Dr. Sonal Deshpande will be able to recommend the correct gum disease treatment if needed.
Tooth and Jaw Development: Your North Brunswick, Central NJ, cosmetic dentist Dr. Sonal may use a Panorex X-ray to determine whether your child’s permanent teeth are developing correctly beneath his or her baby teeth. It is also used to check for incorrect occlusion in adults.
Impacted Wisdom Teeth: Panoramic X-ray can help to see the location and the condition of your wisdom teeth to determine your best treatment options.
Dental Restorations: With a Panorex X-ray, North Brunswick, Central NJ, cosmetic dentist Dr. Sonal Deshpande can determine the need for dentures or braces or the placement of dental implants.
Sinus Problems: Sometimes sinus problems can trigger tooth pain. Diagnosing a sinus condition as the source of your toothache can help prevent unnecessary dental treatments or toothache remedies.
Preparation for Dental Surgery: A panoramic X-ray is often used as a precautionary measure to locate the mandibular nerve to avoid puncturing it during the procedure.
Radiant smiles: With minimum radiation, and no chemicals!
It Just Keeps Getting Better! The Panoramic X-ray is often used for gaggers, children, and others who have a hard time keeping the film in place.
At Brilliant Smiles of North Brunswick, Central NJ, cosmetic dental office, the Panoramic X-ray is used as part of your routine checkup and hygiene appointment. As a full set of bitewing X-rays, the Panorex single FMX is used during your initial cosmetic dental visit and every few years thereafter to check for signs of dental problems.
If you’re interested in this new cosmetic dental technology or would like to learn how Panorex can benefit you, please, call our North Brunswick, Central NJ, cosmetic dental office at (732) 940-0222.
Did you know that with the availability of our modern panoramic x-ray, the radiation exposure is about the same as it is during a half-hour flight at an altitude of 11,000m (35,000ft)?
Dr. Sonal Deshpande
DDS
Dr. Sonal Deshpande is a gentle, caring dentist who uses the most advanced materials and procedures available. She practices comfortable, caring dentistry focused on establishing optimal oral health, with a strong emphasis on getting to know each patient. In addition to her technical proficiency, Dr. Sonal Deshpande is a careful listener and will explain beforehand which treatment is best for your individual needs.
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