---
title: "What Is Panoramic X-ray? Dental Glossary | Town Center Dental"
description: "A panoramic X-ray is one wide image of all the teeth and both jaws. A machine rotates around the head to take it."
url: https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/panoramic-x-ray
publisher: Town Center Dental
phone: +1-636-273-5866
quote: https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment
---

Technology and Imaging

# Panoramic X-ray

A panoramic X-ray is one wide image of all the teeth and both jaws. A machine rotates around the head to take it.

A panoramic X-ray captures the entire mouth in a single image. The machine rotates around your head while you stand or sit still. Radiology sources describe it as using a very small dose of ionizing radiation.

Dentists use panoramic images to plan treatment for dental implants, check for impacted wisdom teeth, and look for jaw problems. The image is flat, so it shows a curved structure in two dimensions. It is not suited to finding cavities unless decay is very advanced and deep. A [bitewing X-ray](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/bitewing-x-ray) is used for that.

If your dentist needs a three-dimensional view, [CBCT](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/cbct-cone-beam-ct) may be discussed. See also [digital X-ray](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/digital-x-ray).

## Related terms

-   [Digital X-ray](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/digital-x-ray)
-   [Bitewing X-ray](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/bitewing-x-ray)
-   [CBCT (cone beam CT)](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/cbct-cone-beam-ct)
-   [Impacted wisdom tooth](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/impacted-wisdom-tooth)
-   [Radiation dose](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/radiation-dose)

## Sources

1.  [MedlinePlus: Dental x-rays](https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003801.htm)
2.  [RadiologyInfo.org: Panoramic Dental X-ray](https://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info/panoramic-xray)

## Ready when you are

[Request an appointment](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment)[Call (636) 273-5866](tel:+1-636-273-5866)