Panoramic dental X-ray (OPG) in Krakow
A panoramic image shows all the teeth, their roots and the bones of the upper and lower jaw in a single picture.
What is a panoramic dental X-ray?
A panoramic X-ray (OPG), also called an orthopantomogram, is an X-ray examination that shows the upper and lower teeth, their roots and the surrounding bone structures in one image.
Unlike a standard periapical X-ray, which shows a small section of the dentition, a panoramic X-ray allows both dental arches to be assessed at the same time.
This lets the dentist check, among other things, the position of the teeth, impacted wisdom teeth, bone condition and changes that need further diagnosis.
A panoramic dental X-ray is a two-dimensional (2D) examination. It gives a general picture of the dentition but does not show every detail as precisely as intraoral X-rays or CBCT.
That is why the choice of examination depends on the patient’s problem.
What does a panoramic X-ray show?
On a panoramic image the doctor can assess many structures that are not visible during a routine dental check-up.
A panoramic X-ray shows:
- Teeth and their roots — their number, position and general structure.
- Wisdom teeth — their position, degree of eruption and relation to neighbouring structures.
- Impacted teeth — partly or fully embedded in bone.
- Upper and lower jaw bones — their general picture and some pathological changes.
- Areas around the root tips — possible inflammatory changes, if visible on the image.
- Bone level around the teeth — helpful in the initial assessment of periodontal disease.
- Tooth development in children — presence of permanent tooth buds and the course of tooth replacement.
Parts of the maxillary sinuses and the temporomandibular joint areas may also be visible on a panoramic X-ray.
However, not all changes can be accurately diagnosed on a panoramic image. In some situations, additional X-rays or CBCT are needed.
When is a panoramic dental X-ray worth having?
A panoramic X-ray is taken when the dentist needs a broader picture of the teeth and bone structures.
The most common indications include:
Before orthodontic treatment
A panoramic image helps the orthodontist assess the presence and position of teeth, permanent tooth buds, impacted teeth and the general condition of the dentition.
It is one of the diagnostic elements used when planning treatment with braces or aligners.
Before wisdom tooth removal
A panoramic X-ray allows an initial assessment of the position of the wisdom teeth, their roots and the surrounding structures.
If an accurate assessment of the roots’ relation to the inferior alveolar nerve canal is needed, the doctor may also recommend CBCT.
In diagnosing impacted teeth
The examination shows whether a tooth is in the bone, what position it is in and whether it may affect neighbouring teeth.
When jaw bone changes are suspected
A panoramic X-ray may reveal changes that need more detailed diagnosis, e.g. some cysts, areas of bone loss or other abnormalities.
In diagnosing periodontal disease
A panoramic X-ray can help in the initial assessment of the bone level around the teeth.
However, it does not replace a periodontal examination or the detailed diagnosis required to assess periodontitis.
Before prosthetic and implant treatment
A panoramic image provides a general picture of the dentition, missing teeth and bone structures.
Before implant placement, CBCT is also often needed to assess the bone in three dimensions.
The need for a panoramic X-ray is decided by the doctor based on the examination and diagnostic needs. The image does not have to be taken at every check-up.
What does a panoramic X-ray look like and how is it done?
Taking a panoramic image is quick, painless and requires no complicated preparation.
1. Preparation
Before the examination, the patient is asked to remove items that may interfere with the image, e.g. glasses, earrings, necklaces or removable orthodontic appliances.
2. Positioning in the device
The patient stands or sits at the X-ray unit. The person performing the examination helps position the head and place the teeth in the positioning element.
3. Taking the panoramic X-ray
During the examination, the device rotates around the patient’s head, recording an image of the jaws and teeth.
You need to stay still, as even a slight movement can reduce image quality.
4. Obtaining the image
The scan itself usually takes a dozen or so seconds. The whole examination, including preparation, usually takes a few minutes.
5. Image assessment
The doctor may use the image for further diagnosis and treatment planning. If needed, the doctor orders additional examinations.
A panoramic X-ray requires no anaesthesia, and you can return to your daily activities right away.
Panoramic X-ray vs periapical X-ray — what is the difference?
Not every dental X-ray shows the same area. Dentistry uses both periapical and panoramic images. Each has a different purpose.
Panoramic X-ray
Periapical X-ray
Shows both dental arches in one image
Shows one tooth or a small group of teeth
Used for a general assessment of teeth and bone
Allows a more detailed assessment of a selected area
Used, among others, in orthodontics and oral surgery
Often used in caries diagnosis and root canal treatment
Extraoral examination
Usually an intraoral examination
A panoramic image does not always replace a periapical X-ray. If the dentist needs an accurate assessment of a single tooth, an intraoral image may be more appropriate.
Panoramic X-ray vs CBCT — which examination to choose?
A panoramic X-ray and CBCT are two different types of imaging used in dentistry. A panoramic X-ray shows structures in two dimensions, while cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) allows them to be assessed in three dimensions.
Panoramic X-ray (2D)
CBCT (3D)
Two-dimensional image of the teeth
Three-dimensional image of the examined structures
General assessment of the jaws and teeth
Detailed assessment of a selected area
Helpful in initial diagnosis
Used when more anatomical information is needed
Usually a lower radiation dose than CBCT
Usually a higher dose than a panoramic X-ray, depending on the protocol
CBCT may be needed, for example, before implant treatment, when assessing the position of an impacted tooth or in more complex endodontic cases. A panoramic X-ray is not a 3D examination. If the patient needs a three-dimensional image of the bone or roots, the doctor may order CBCT. There is no need for a more extensive examination if the diagnostic question can be answered with a simpler method.
Is a panoramic X-ray safe?
A panoramic X-ray uses X-rays, so — like any X-ray examination — it should be performed when there is a justified medical need.
During a panoramic image the patient receives a relatively small radiation dose, but this does not mean the examination should be done without indications.
Before ordering a panoramic X-ray, the doctor considers, among other things:
- the purpose of the examination;
- the patient’s age;
- previous X-rays;
- whether the necessary information can be obtained another way;
- the expected diagnostic benefit.
Modern dental diagnostics is based on keeping radiation exposure to the level necessary to obtain an adequate image.
If the patient has a recent panoramic X-ray, it is worth showing it to the doctor. Another image may not be necessary.
Do I need a referral for a panoramic X-ray?
At MistoDent Krakow you do not need a referral from another clinic to book dental diagnostics.
If during the visit the doctor decides that a panoramic dental X-ray is needed, they will order the examination themselves.
This way you do not have to look for a separate practice to get a referral. You can have X-ray diagnostics as part of your dental care at MistoDent Krakow.
Panoramic dental X-ray in children
A panoramic X-ray in a child can be useful when assessing tooth development and planning orthodontic treatment.
On a panoramic image the dentist can see not only erupted primary and permanent teeth, but also tooth buds still in the bone.
The examination is used, among other things, in cases of:
- delayed tooth eruption;
- suspected missing permanent tooth buds;
- supernumerary or impacted teeth;
- abnormal tooth development;
- orthodontic treatment planning.
However, a panoramic X-ray is not done routinely in every child. The examination should have a specific medical justification, and the child must be able to cooperate while the image is taken.
The need for the examination is decided by the dentist, taking into account the child’s age and individual situation.
Why choose MistoDent Krakow for a panoramic X-ray?
At MistoDent Krakow, imaging diagnostics is part of dental treatment planning.
- Diagnostics in one place — imaging can be combined with a dental consultation.
- Panoramic dental X-ray — a general picture of the teeth, roots and bone structures.
- CBCT — more detailed 3D diagnostics when indicated.
- Diagnostics before treatment — images used in planning orthodontic, surgical and prosthetic treatment.
- Individual approach — the type of examination is matched to the patient’s problem.
- Comprehensive care — diagnostics and treatment can continue within one clinic.
MistoDent Krakow
ul. Grzegórzecka 20A
How much does a panoramic X-ray cost in Krakow?
The choice of examination should follow medical indications. A panoramic X-ray will not always replace a periapical image, and CBCT is not necessary in every case.
FAQ
Answers provided by
Dr. Yevgen Gryzodub
What is a panoramic X-ray?
A panoramic X-ray is an image showing the upper and lower teeth, their roots and the jaw bones. It gives the dentist a general picture of the dentition and helps plan further diagnosis or treatment.
How much does a panoramic dental X-ray cost?
At MistoDent Krakow a panoramic X-ray costs 200 PLN. This is the price of a panoramic dental image according to the clinic’s price list.
How is a panoramic X-ray taken?
During the examination the patient stands or sits at the X-ray unit, and the device rotates around their head. You need to stay still for a dozen or so seconds to get a clear image. The examination is painless.
Do I need a referral for a panoramic X-ray?
You do not need to bring a referral from another clinic. At MistoDent Krakow the dentist assesses whether a panoramic X-ray is needed and orders it if indicated.
Can I have a panoramic X-ray without a referral?
At MistoDent Krakow you can book a visit without a prior referral. The doctor will assess whether a panoramic image is needed and, if indicated, order it on site.
Medical verification
Content verified by:
Dr. Yevgen Gryzodub
Medical Director of the MistoDent clinic network • dentist • prosthodontist • gnathologist
Last updated: 22.10.2026
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