Which radiograph is designed to capture both arches in a single image?

Which radiograph is designed to capture both arches in a single image?

• A. Bitewing
• B. Panorex
• C. Anterior PA
• D. Posterior PA

Answer: (B)

Capturing both dental arches in one image is achieved with a panoramic radiograph. This technique uses a rotating x-ray source and sensor around the patient’s head to create a single, wide view that includes both the upper and lower arches, along with surrounding structures. It’s designed to give a broad overview for screening, treatment planning, and evaluating overall dental status. Bitewings, by contrast, focus on the crowns of the posterior teeth in a relatively small vertical and horizontal area, mainly for detecting interproximal caries and bone level changes in that limited region. An anterior periapical or posterior periapical radiograph shows only a small, local area around one or a few teeth, and would require multiple images to cover both arches.

Capturing both dental arches in one image is achieved with a panoramic radiograph. This technique uses a rotating x-ray source and sensor around the patient’s head to create a single, wide view that includes both the upper and lower arches, along with surrounding structures. It’s designed to give a broad overview for screening, treatment planning, and evaluating overall dental status.

Bitewings, by contrast, focus on the crowns of the posterior teeth in a relatively small vertical and horizontal area, mainly for detecting interproximal caries and bone level changes in that limited region. An anterior periapical or posterior periapical radiograph shows only a small, local area around one or a few teeth, and would require multiple images to cover both arches.