What’s the Difference in X-rays and Why You Need Them

At the office of Dr. Edwin S. Porter, we place our focus on patient care and making sure your teeth are healthy. In order to diagnose dental issues, we use digital x-rays to diagnose what we cannot see with our eyes or other dental tools. As a new patient, we start out with Full Mouth Series, or FMX as we call it, to establish your whole mouth. For younger patients, we may choose to take a Panorex and four bitewings to see baby teeth and adult teeth. The Panorex and FMX are usually taken every 3-5 years as teeth shift and change within that time. Every year once you are established, we will take four Bitewings to make sure there is not any new decay in between your teeth.

Full Mouth Series ("FMX"): The full mouth series of x-rays are designed to take detailed images of each tooth and the surrounding structures. We usually prescribe them to diagnose most dental conditions like gum disease, cavities, dental abscesses, and pathological lesions.

Bitewing X-rays: These are used to screen for cavities. Bitwing x-rays are not typically used on front teeth and are not used to diagnose gum disease.

Panorex X-rays: These are taken for a broad overview of the mouth as well as the entire maxillofacial area- which includes the midface, upper and lower jaws and surrounding areas. They are used more routinely by Oral Surgeons and Orthodontists during treatment planning, but have considerable less diagnostic value to the General Dentist who need more detail.

After we take your x-rays, you will be able to immediately view them and we can manipulate them by making them bigger and highlighting areas of concern. Call us to check out our great technology! 704-544-5330 today!