Panoramic Radiograph and other Maxillofacial Imaging in the Emergency Setting

Abstract

Panoramic imaging is a technique for producing a single tomographic image of the facial structures that includes both maxillary and mandibular dental arches and their supporting structures. This is a curvilinear variant of conventional tomography, and it is also based on the principle of the reciprocal movement of an X-ray source and an image receptor around a central point or plane called the ‘image layer,’ in which the object of interest is located. Panoramic radiographs include broad coverage of facial bones and teeth, with low radiation dose, and are useful in patients unable to open their mouth. Drawbacks including less fine detail of dental anatomy, and that patients must be able to sit up or stand for the image, precluding patients who are intubated, bed-bound, or unable to cooperate.