Choosing the Right Dental X-ray: Panoramic vs. Periapical Explained

Ever wonder how your dentist gets the inside scoop on your teeth? It’s all about the dental x-rays. Panoramic gives the big picture, while periapical zooms in on the details. Knowing the difference can help you and your dentist make the right moves for your smile.

Panoramic X-rays: Imagine taking a step back and getting a wide shot of everything at once. That’s what a panoramic x-ray does for your mouth. It captures a complete view of your teeth, jawbones, sinuses, and nasal areas in a single image. It’s particularly useful for:

Planning orthodontic treatments and implant placements.
Diagnosing impacted teeth, such as wisdom teeth.
Assessing jaw problems.

Because it provides a broad overview, it’s less detailed, but it helps your dentist see the big picture all at once.

Periapical X-rays: Now, think of using a zoom lens to focus closely on one specific area. Periapical x-rays do just that by focusing on one or two teeth at a time. This type provides a very detailed view of the:

Entire lengths of the teeth.
Surrounding bone structure.
Health of the tooth roots and surrounding bone.

This type is ideal for detecting small changes and problems in specific areas, such as cavities between teeth, root structure issues, and the exact status of bone health around each tooth.

Practical Advice for Patients

General Check-ups: Panoramic x-rays are often used in initial evaluations and for routine check-ups, especially if you haven’t had x-rays in a while.
Specific Issues: If you’re experiencing pain or issues with a specific tooth, your dentist might opt for a periapical x-ray to get a detailed view of the problem area.

By understanding the purpose of each type of x-ray, you can better appreciate why your dentist might recommend one over the other based on your specific dental needs. Always feel free to ask your dentist why a particular type of x-ray is suggested for your situation—it’s your health, and you deserve to be in the loop!

How Much Does It Cost?

Understanding the costs of dental x-rays is crucial for planning your dental care budget. Below is a table that outlines the average costs for each type of x-ray available or commonly used in the field.

Type of Dental X-Ray	Average Price
Periapical	PHP 300 (In-Patient)
Periapical	PHP 400 (Out-Patient)
Panoramic	PHP 1,000 – PHP 2,500

Notes:

In-Patient vs. Out-Patient: At Alora Dental Clinic, the cost difference reflects whether you are already admitted for other treatments (in-patient) or if you are visiting just for the x-ray (out-patient).
Panoramic X-rays: We do not currently offer panoramic x-rays at our clinic. This type of x-ray, while not available here, typically ranges in price from PHP 1,000 to PHP 2,500 in other clinics. This information can help you understand what to expect should you seek this service elsewhere.

This straightforward pricing information allows you to plan your dental expenses effectively, ensuring no surprises when it comes to managing your oral health.

Additional Resources

For more information on dental health and preventive care, check out these resources:

Meet Your Dentist...

Step into Alora Dental Clinic and let us introduce you to our passionate and dedicated dentist, Dr. Angelica Eden Astillero. She’s the type of person who lights up a room with her warm and approachable demeanor. And that’s just the start of what makes her an exceptional dentist.

Dr. Astillero graduated from the University of the East, where she developed a love for dentistry and helping others. Her commitment to continuing education and the latest dental techniques allows her to provide top-notch care to patients of all ages. But what truly sets her apart is her ability to connect with her patients and put them at ease.