Pantomogram

(Also called: panoramic dental radiograph, panoramic radiograph).

Basic information about the examination:

Name:	Pantomogram
Duration:	15 seconds
Radiation dose:	7-12 µSv
Whether a referral is required:
Does it require preparation for the examination:

What is a pantomogram?

A pantomogram is a panoramic X-ray. It allows simultaneous imaging of the teeth, jaws, most of the maxillary sinus, hard palate and temporomandibular joints. Is a pantomogram safe? Yes. The radiation dose used during this examination is not much higher than the dose used during an ordinary periapical X-ray and is only between 7 and 12 µSv; for comparison, the radiation dose we take in Poland every day from natural sources is around 6.8 µSv. Whether the examination is safe for individual patients is determined by the doctor, who issues a referral for the examination.

When should a pantomogram be performed?

The indications for this type of examination may vary. You may be referred for a pantomogram when you experience painful symptoms, but it is also necessary for many types of treatment and diagnosis. An X-ray is most commonly performed on patients in the following cases:

• planning treatment for caries or periodontitis
• assessment of the condition of the teeth, usually when the patient has not been to the dentist for a long time
• planning of orthodontic treatment
• prosthetic treatment planning - especially for implant and bridge fixing plans
• evaluation of the effects and course of treatment, e.g., root canal treatment
• planning tooth extraction
• monitoring dental development in children (allows the early detection of possible developmental disorders)
• follow-up after maxillary or mandibular trauma
• treatment and diagnosis of salivary gland stones (disease involving the formation of deposits in the abnormal production of saliva)
• exclusion of inflammatory conditions, necessary before various types of surgery, e.g., cataract surgery

Preparation for the examination

Although there is no need to prepare yourself before the visit, any objects containing metal, such as jewellery, piercings, glasses, removable dentures or braces, hair clips or rubber bands with metal connections should be removed from the head and neck area just before the examination. Metal (including precious metal) will be visible on the pantomogram so clearly that it could obscure the examined structures.

Course of the examination

The examination itself takes about 15 seconds. Prior to the examination, the radiographer gives the patient a special, disposable bite block with special recesses and instructs the patient to fit their upper and lower primary teeth into these recesses. Then the patient should reach up straight with their hands in front of the body and grasp the appliance in the indicated place. The radiographer will ask you to maintain a wide smile for the duration of the examination, to "stick" your tongue to the palate and to swallow saliva. Throughout the examination, i.e., for about 15 seconds, the patient should remain still. After the examination, after just a few minutes, the patient receives the result on a CD (to find out about other media on which the examinations are issued, click here - EXAMINATION RESULTS.

The most important part of the examination is compliance with the instructions of the attending radiographer. The above description of the examination may vary from case to case.

Where in Warsaw can I get a pantomogram?

We invite you for a pantomographic examination to our laboratories located in the following districts: Białołęka, Bielany, Centrum, Praga Południe, Tarchomin, Ursynów and Włochy. We ensure a comfortable visit and the highest quality of examinations performed on modern diagnostic equipment by qualified staff of radiographers in each of the locations.