A panoramic radiograph is a panoramic scanning dental X-ray of the upper and lower jaw. It shows a two-dimensional view of a half-circle from ear to ear. Panoramic radiography is a form of focal plane tomography; thus, images of multiple planes are taken to make up the composite panoramic image, where the maxilla and mandible are in the focal trough and the structures that are superficial and deep to the trough are blurred.Other nonproprietary names for a panoramic radiograph are dental panoramic radiograph and pantomogram; Abbreviations include PAN, DPR, OPT, and OPG (the latter, based on genericizing a trade name, are often avoided in medical editing).
Principal advantage of panoramic images
- Broad coverage of facial bone and teeth
- Low patient radiation dose
- Convenience of examination for the patient (films need not be placed inside the mouth)
- Ability to be used in patients who cannot open the mouth or when the opening is restricted e.g.: due to trismus
- Short time required for making the image
- Patient's ready understandability of panoramic films, making them a useful visual aid in patient education and case presentation.
- Easy to store compared to the large set of intra oral x-rays which are typically used.
