The smaller size film receives 8% less X-ray dosage on it compared to the bigger size.ĭental X-rays' radiology is moving from film technology (involving a chemical developing process) to digital X-ray technology, which is based on electronic sensors and computers. There are two standard sizes for dental panoramic films: 30 cm × 12 cm (12″ × 5″) and 30 cm x 15 cm (12″ × 6″). There are two kinds of film moving mechanisms, one using a sliding flat cassette which holds the film, and another using a rotating cylinder around which the film is wound. The patient positioning is very critical in regard to both sharpness and distortions. Finally a compromise is selected by each manufacturer and results in magnification factors which vary strongly along the film (15%-30%). It is impossible to select an ideal movement as the anatomy varies very much from person to person. Also those moving solutions try to project the teeth arch as orthogonally as possible. The manufacturers propose different solutions for moving the arm, trying to maintain constant distance between the teeth to the film and generator. The arm moves and its movement may be described as a rotation around an instant center which shifts on a dedicated trajectory. Also the height of that beam covers the mandibles and the maxilla regions. The X-ray source is rectangular collimated beam. The patient's skull sits between the X-ray generator and the film.

Other nonproprietary names for a panoramic radiograph are dental panoramic radiograph and pantomogram Abbreviations include PAN, DPR, OPT, and OPG (the latter, based on genericizing a trade name, are often avoided in medical editing).ĭental panoramic radiography equipment consists of a horizontal rotating arm which holds an X-ray source and a moving film mechanism (carrying a film) arranged at opposed extremities.

Panoramic radiography is a form of focal plane tomography thus, images of multiple planes are taken to make up the composite panoramic image, where the maxilla and mandible are in the focal trough and the structures that are superficial and deep to the trough are blurred. It shows a two-dimensional view of a half-circle from ear to ear. A dental panoramic radiograph, showing the maxilla and mandible, all the teeth including the ' wisdom teeth,' the frontal and maxillary sinuses, the nasal cavity and the temporomandibular joint and other near by head and neck anatomy.Ī panoramic radiograph of a 9 year old in mixed dentition A basic panoramic radiograph A Panoramic radiography machine.Ī panoramic radiograph is a panoramic scanning dental X-ray of the upper and lower jaw.

Double exposure dental radiography