Some dental problems are hiding in places the naked eye simply can’t see — between teeth, below the gumline, inside the jawbone, or deep within roots. Panoramic X-rays give us the complete picture, in a single, sweeping image that captures your entire mouth, jaw, and surrounding structures.
At Enhance Dental Centre in Kitsilano, we use panoramic imaging as a foundational diagnostic tool for new patients and periodic comprehensive assessments.
A panoramic X-ray (also called an OPG or orthopantomogram) is a wide-view, 2D dental X-ray that captures all your teeth, upper and lower jaws, TMJ (jaw joints), sinuses, and nearby anatomical structures in a single image.
The machine rotates around your head in about 15–20 seconds — it’s quick, completely non-invasive, and requires no instruments in your mouth.
Bitewing X-rays show detail of a small area — great for detecting cavities between specific teeth. Panoramic X-rays show the full mouth at once — ideal for an overall assessment of bone, anatomy, and jaw structures. Both have important roles in comprehensive dental care, and we’ll recommend the right imaging for your needs.
Yes. Panoramic X-rays use a very low dose of radiation — significantly less than a standard set of dental films. We follow strict guidelines to ensure imaging is only recommended when clinically necessary.
A: For most patients, every 3–5 years is appropriate, though your dentist may recommend more or less frequent imaging based on your specific needs and dental history.
A: No special preparation is needed. You’ll be asked to remove any jewellery, glasses, or removable dental appliances before the scan.
A: Dental X-rays are generally avoided during pregnancy unless absolutely necessary. If you are pregnant or think you may be, please let us know before any imaging.
A: They can detect some cavities, but bitewing X-rays provide better detail for cavity detection between teeth. Panoramic and bitewing X-rays complement each other.
A: Many plans cover panoramic X-rays every few years. We’ll check your benefits and let you know your coverage before the imaging is done.
A panoramic X-ray gives your dentist a wide, single-image view of your entire mouth, both jaws, your sinuses, and your jaw joints. It's one of the fastest and lowest-dose ways to catch problems that a standard bitewing X-ray simply can't see.
Shows whether wisdom teeth are impacted, angled, or likely to cause crowding before symptoms even start.
Reveals early bone loss associated with gum disease, important for planning periodontal treatment.
Panoramic imaging can flag unusual growths in the jaw or sinus areas that need further evaluation.
Gives a baseline view of bone structure before dental implants or dentures.
Captures the position and symmetry of both jaw joints, useful for patients with jaw pain or clicking.
Tracks whether permanent teeth are developing and erupting in the correct position and sequence.
| Imaging type | What it shows | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Bitewing X-ray | Close-up of a few back teeth, from crown to just below the gumline | Checking for cavities between teeth at routine checkups |
| Panoramic X-ray | Entire upper and lower jaw, sinuses, and jaw joints in one flat image | Wisdom teeth, overall bone health, orthodontic and implant planning |
| CBCT scan | Full 3D view of bone, teeth roots, nerve canals, and airway | Precise implant placement, complex root canals, and surgical planning |
Many patients only need a panoramic X-ray as part of their routine exam. A CBCT scan is typically reserved for more detailed surgical or implant planning, where a flat 2D image isn't precise enough.
Digital panoramic X-rays use a significantly lower radiation dose than older film-based systems, roughly comparable to a few hours of everyday background radiation exposure. We only recommend imaging when it's clinically useful, and we use lead aprons and thyroid collars as an added precaution during capture.
Most patients need a panoramic X-ray once every few years as part of a comprehensive exam, though your dentist may recommend one sooner if you're a new patient, you're being evaluated for wisdom teeth, orthodontics, or implants, or you're experiencing jaw pain or unexplained swelling.
Routine and panoramic X-rays are commonly covered, at least partially, under most Canadian dental insurance plans and under the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) for eligible patients. See our insurance and financing page for details on direct billing and how we verify your coverage before any imaging is done.
There's very little to prepare for a panoramic X-ray. You don't need to fast, change your routine, or avoid eating or drinking beforehand. We'll ask you to remove any metal jewelry, glasses, hairpins, or removable dental appliances like retainers or dentures, since metal can create artifacts on the image. If you wear a hearing aid, let our team know so we can accommodate it.
The entire visit, including positioning and the scan itself, usually adds only a few minutes to your appointment. Most patients describe it as the easiest part of their dental visit, since there's no biting down on sharp film corners the way there can be with traditional bitewing X-rays.
While not every visit requires imaging, your dentist is more likely to recommend a panoramic X-ray if you're a new patient without recent imaging on file, if you're a teenager or young adult being monitored for wisdom teeth, if you're being evaluated for Invisalign or other orthodontic treatment, if you're planning dental implants, full mouth reconstruction, or dentures, or if you've reported jaw pain, clicking, swelling, or an injury to the face or jaw.
If you're simply coming in for a routine cleaning and your records are current, you likely won't need a new panoramic X-ray at every visit. Your dentist will let you know the recommended interval based on your oral health history and risk factors.
No. It's completely painless and takes under a minute. You'll just need to remove earrings, glasses, and any removable dental appliances before the scan.
Yes, panoramic X-rays are commonly used for children and teens to track permanent tooth development and plan orthodontic treatment, using a reduced pediatric dose.
If you're being evaluated for dental implants, complex extractions, or detailed root canal treatment, your dentist may recommend a CBCT scan in addition to or instead of a panoramic X-ray for a precise 3D view.
Because our imaging system is fully digital, your dentist can review the image with you in the same appointment, with no waiting for film to develop.
No. A full mouth series is a set of several individual bitewing and periapical X-rays, while a panoramic X-ray is a single wide image capturing both jaws at once. Many patients get both as part of a comprehensive exam.
Book an appointment at our Kitsilano clinic and we'll let you know if a panoramic X-ray is right for your visit.
Related services: CBCT Scan · Dental Implants · Periodontal Surgery · Oral Surgery · Insurance & Financing
