This specialized imaging equipment captures a two-dimensional, wide-angle view of the entire mouth, including teeth, jaws, and surrounding structures, on a single film. A rotating arm holding both an X-ray source and a film cassette circles the patient’s head, creating a composite image. This comprehensive perspective provides a wealth of diagnostic information not achievable with traditional intraoral radiographs, such as bitewing or periapical images. For example, it allows visualization of impacted teeth, jaw joint abnormalities, and sinus conditions.
The broad perspective provided by this type of imaging offers significant advantages in treatment planning and diagnosis of various dental and maxillofacial conditions. Its ability to reveal the entire dentition and supporting bone structures in a single image makes it invaluable for assessing developmental anomalies, orthodontic issues, and the presence of pathologies. Historically, obtaining a comprehensive view of the oral cavity required multiple individual X-rays, making diagnosis more cumbersome and time-consuming. The development of this technology represents a significant advancement in dental radiology, providing a more efficient and informative diagnostic tool.
