Ella Walter
There are several benefits to using a panoramic X-ray machine to capture bitewings. For one, it is faster and more efficient, as it requires fewer steps than traditional intraoral bitewing X-rays. It is also easier for the dentist and staff, as they can adjust the panoramic positioning light to open up the contacts between the posterior teeth, instead of having to manipulate a sensor or film in a positioner. Additionally, panoramic bitewings reduce radiation exposure by up to 40% compared to traditional intraoral bitewing exams. They also reduce the need for infection control, as there is no need to wrap, unwrap, and disinfect sensors, films, tube heads, and positioners after each patient.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Patient acceptance | Better |
| Dentist and staff experience | Easier |
| Appointment speed | Faster |
| Radiation exposure | Reduced |
| Infection control | Reduced |
| Diagnosis | Improved |
| Cost | More expensive |
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What You'll Learn
Faster appointments and improved efficiency
Using a panoramic X-ray machine for bitewings can improve efficiency and speed up appointments.
The panoramic technique requires fewer steps than traditional dental X-rays, which means less time spent positioning and repositioning the patient. The machine can be turned on, the patient bites into the groove in the bite block, and the images are ready within seconds. This is in contrast to traditional bitewings, which require a sensor to be set up in a holder and placed in the patient's mouth, and the X-ray machine to be aimed, with these steps repeated for each subsequent exposure.
The extraoral bitewing feature, common in modern panoramic X-ray systems, is easier for dental staff and patients. Dentists and assistants can adjust the panoramic positioning light to open up the contacts between the posterior teeth, instead of having to manipulate a sensor or film in a positioner. This process does not need to be repeated for each bitewing exposure, as is the case with traditional bitewings.
In addition, panoramic bitewings can reduce the radiation dose by up to 40% compared to traditional intraoral bitewing exams. This benefit is further enhanced in pediatric mode, which can reduce the dose by up to 30% compared to adult extraoral bitewings.
The use of panoramic X-rays also reduces the need for infection control. Traditional bitewing X-rays require the disinfection of sensors, films, tube heads, and positioners after each patient, as well as the disinfection of countertops and the machine and its parts. With panoramic X-rays, there is no need for gloves, and the only requirement is to replace the bite block sleeve, which the patient removes.
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Less radiation exposure
The use of a panoramic X-ray machine for bitewings can reduce radiation exposure for patients. Panoramic X-rays can cut the radiation dose by up to 40% compared to traditional intraoral bitewing X-rays. This is because panoramic X-rays can image just the areas of interest, reducing the overall radiation exposure.
Additionally, digital X-rays emit 80-90% less radiation than traditional film X-rays. This advancement helps to reduce the risk associated with radiation exposure while maintaining high diagnostic accuracy. Dentists will always ensure that X-rays are taken only when necessary and with the lowest possible radiation dose to protect the patient's health.
The use of panoramic X-rays also reduces the need for infection control procedures. Traditional bitewing X-rays require the disinfection of sensors, films, tube heads, and positioners after each patient, whereas panoramic X-rays only require the replacement of the bite block sleeve.
Overall, the use of panoramic X-rays for bitewings can provide significant benefits in terms of reducing radiation exposure for patients.
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Easier for dental staff and patients
Using a pano machine to take bitewings is faster and more convenient for dental staff and patients.
The panoramic technique requires fewer steps than traditional dental X-rays. Dental staff can turn on the machine, ask the patient to bite into the groove in the bite block, and have the images ready within seconds. This is in contrast to traditional bitewing X-rays, which require dental staff to set up a sensor in a holder, place it in the patient’s mouth, aim the X-ray machine, and repeat the process for each subsequent bitewing exposure.
The extraoral bitewing feature, which is common in modern pano machines, is easier for dental staff to use. They can simply adjust the panoramic positioning light to open up the contacts between the posterior teeth, instead of having to manipulate a sensor or film in a positioner.
The use of a pano machine also reduces the need for infection control. Traditional bitewing X-rays require the disinfection of sensors, films, tube heads, and positioners after each patient, as well as the disinfection of the countertop, the machine, and its parts. With a pano machine, there is no need for gloves and virtually no between-procedure cleaning or infection control. Only the bite block sleeve, which the patient removes, needs to be replaced.
Pano machines can also reduce radiation exposure for patients. A panoramic bitewing study may reduce the radiation dose by 40% compared to traditional intraoral bitewing X-ray studies.
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Reduced need for infection control
Traditional bitewing X-rays require a lot of preparation and post-procedure work. Dentists have to wrap and unwrap the sensor after each patient, as well as disinfect it and the sensor holder. The machine tube head, yolk, and cone also need to be disinfected, as do any soiled countertop areas. Gloves must be disposed of and changed, and the room must be cleaned. This process is time-consuming and costly, and it adds to the time and expense elements associated with intraoral bitewing techniques.
Using a panoramic machine for bitewings requires none of this. There is no need for gloves, and virtually no between-procedure cleaning or infection control is needed. The only thing that needs to be replaced is the bite block sleeve, which the patient removes. This makes the process much faster and more efficient, as well as reducing the risk of cross-contamination.
The use of panoramic machines for bitewings has become more common since the Coronavirus pandemic, as it reduces the risk of cross-contamination. Extraoral bitewings also eliminate the need for aerosols released by patient coughing or gagging from bulky and uncomfortable intraoral devices.
In addition, the panoramic bitewing feature now available with today’s extraoral dental X-ray machines means that dentists no longer need to worry about the risk of contamination from films or sensors being repeatedly placed in and out of the patient’s mouth.
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Improved diagnoses
The use of panoramic X-ray machines with the bitewing feature improves diagnoses in several ways. Firstly, it allows dentists to locate more posterior caries than traditional intraoral bitewings. This is because panoramic images provide a larger view of the dental anatomy, making it easier to identify periodontal bone defects, periapical lesions, and other jaw anomalies.
Secondly, panoramic X-rays improve diagnosis by reducing the time and complexity of the procedure. With traditional bitewing X-rays, dentists must repeat the process of manipulating a sensor or film in a positioner multiple times to capture images of different areas of the mouth. In contrast, panoramic X-ray machines with the bitewing feature allow dentists to capture a standard panoramic image and bitewings simultaneously by simply adjusting the panoramic positioning light. This not only saves time but also ensures that all areas of interest are captured in a single examination, reducing the risk of missing any critical details.
Additionally, the bitewing feature on panoramic X-ray machines improves diagnosis by reducing radiation exposure for patients. Studies have shown that panoramic bitewings can reduce radiation doses by up to 40% compared to traditional intraoral bitewing exams. This not only benefits the patient's health but also encourages better patient acceptance of the procedure. Furthermore, panoramic X-ray machines with the bitewing feature also reduce the need for extensive infection control procedures, which are typically required with traditional bitewing X-rays. This reduction in infection control requirements not only saves time but also reduces the risk of cross-contamination, contributing to improved diagnoses and patient care.
While some dentists have expressed doubts about the diagnostic capabilities of extraoral bitewings, others have found them surprisingly good, especially for patients who cannot tolerate traditional intraoral bitewings. Overall, the use of panoramic X-ray machines with the bitewing feature offers improved diagnostic capabilities, enhanced efficiency, and better patient comfort and safety.
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Frequently asked questions
Using a pano machine for bitewings can reduce radiation exposure by up to 40% compared to traditional intraoral bitewing exams. It is also faster, easier for the dentist and staff, and requires less infection control.
Some dentists believe that traditional bitewing X-rays are sharper and will show cavities better. Additionally, pano machines may not be as effective for diagnosing interproximal caries in posterior teeth due to the normal overlap of images.
Extraoral bitewings are a type of dental X-ray that does not require placing sensors or film inside the patient's mouth. There are two types: segmented and diagnostic. Segmented extraoral bitewings are created by taking a regular digital panoramic X-ray and segmenting out two bitewings. Diagnostic extraoral bitewings, offered by manufacturers such as Planmeca, incorporate a complex movement during panoramic rotation, following the curvature of the mandible.
Some pano machines that offer the bitewing feature include the Planmeca ProMax, Sirona CBCT/pan, and panorex X-ray systems.
To take bitewings using a pano machine, the dentist or technician adjusts the panoramic positioning light to open up the contacts between the posterior teeth. The patient then bites into the groove in the bite block, and the images are captured.
