Panoramic X-Rays (Panorex)

At MI Dental, we use the Carestream CS 8100 panoramic system to capture a comprehensive, single image of your jaws and surrounding structures. While intraoral X-rays focus closely on individual teeth (perfect for detecting cavities and small lesions), a Panorex provides a bird’s-eye view, ideal for assessing jaw health, sinuses, joints (TMJ) and wisdom teeth positioning in one quick, comfortable scan.

Benefits of Panoramic X-Rays (vs. Intraoral)

1. Full-Jaw Overview in One Image
   A Panorex shows the entire lower jaw and much of the upper jaw, including the maxillary sinuses and TMJ, helping us evaluate overall oral and facial health at a glance.
2. Detects Bigger-Picture Conditions
   Useful for screening cysts, tumors, bone diseases/malignancies, sinus pathology, and developmental anomalies that won’t appear on small intraoral films.
3. Wisdom Teeth & Nerve/Sinus Mapping
   We assess impaction, angulation, and proximity to critical anatomy—like upper third molars to the maxillary sinus and lowers to the inferior alveolar nerve (IAN)—to plan safe extractions.
4. TMJ Assessment
   Provides a broad look at the condyles and joint spaces—flagging wear, flattening, or suspected bone-to-bone contact when the cartilage appears thinned—so we know when to investigate further.
5. Comfortable, Fast, and Low Dose
   The CS 8100 emphasizes easy positioning, quick scans, and sharp images to minimize retakes—efficient for patients and clinicians alike. Carestream’s Tomosharp algorithms help reconstruct the sharpest anatomy automatically, supporting consistent clarity. Carestream Dental
6. Clear Imaging with Smart Positioning
   The unit’s compact, open design and guided interface streamline alignment, helping reduce errors and improve image quality in seconds.

Our Technology: Carestream CS 8100

• Tomosharp technology for optimal sharpness and contrast with automated selection of the sharpest anatomy.
• Compact, open design for comfortable, face-to-face positioning.
• Intuitive interface & presets to minimize setup time and help reduce retakes.
• Integrated with CS Imaging software for streamlined viewing and sharing.

Fun Fact

A panoramic image captures a wide arc around your face while you simply stand still and bite gently—no sensors inside your mouth, and the entire scan typically takes just a few seconds.

Get the full picture of your oral health, fast. Our Carestream CS 8100 Panorex helps us spot what small X-rays can’t, from sinus concerns to wisdom teeth planning.
Book your appointment and experience precise, big-picture imaging at MI Dental.

FAQs

Q1: What’s the difference between panoramic and intraoral X-rays?
Intraoral X-rays zoom in on teeth and supporting bone (great for cavities and small changes). Panoramic X-rays show your jaws, sinuses, and TMJ in one broad image—ideal for screening and treatment planning.

Q2: Why might I need a panoramic X-ray?
To evaluate wisdom teeth, TMJ status, sinus issues, and to screen for cysts, tumors, or bone disease. It’s also helpful before orthodontic or surgical procedures.

Q3: Is a panoramic X-ray safe?
Yes. Modern panoramic units are designed for low radiation dose and quick exposure. The CS 8100’s focus on sharpness and positioning helps reduce retakes, further limiting exposure.

Q4: Can a Panorex replace all other X-rays?
Not always. It’s excellent for the “big picture,” but we may still take intraoral images for fine detail (e.g., early cavities between teeth) or 3D CBCT when depth information is required for implants or complex cases.

Q5: How long does it take?
Only a few seconds of exposure; the entire appointment step—positioning, scan, and on-screen review—typically takes just a couple of minutes.