Digital Options for Panoramic Radiology

Abstract

Digital X-ray imaging is making substantial inroads into the dental practice. The purpose of this chapter is to provide a succinct overview of the various digital options for panoramic dental radiography.

The move to panoramic digital radiography in dentistry has been slower than the move toward intraoral digital radiography but is now accelerating. Every dental practice is different and has unique needs and wants. Before making a decision on digital panoramic radiography, you must weigh carefully your unique operation, the type of practice and patient mix, your staffing, your goals and objectives, the systems available, the overall economics and costs involved, the timing, the state of the technology, and anticipated changes in technology. If you already have a digital intraoral system the move might make sense. If you do not, then maybe going to digital intraoral first is best. Perhaps it is something you want to delay to see how things develop and what new technologies are introduced in the next year or so. Perhaps you wish to take small steps, first incorporating secondary capture using a scanner to help you determine the best long-term approach for your practice.