Panoramic Imaging for Added Oral Cancer Screening
Written By: Carly Peterschmidt, DMD [August 14, 2026]
Purpose for Diagnostic Imaging, or “X-Rays,” in Dentistry
Diagnostic images (“radiographs” or “x-rays”) are what we utilize in dentistry to diagnose dental disease and propose treatment options for patients to have optimal health outcomes. While some disease can be diagnosed with magnified vision if it is on the external surfaces of teeth or soft tissues, radiographs catch the majority of diseases within the oral cavity, which hide between teeth or under the visible structures. The types of images we take and frequencies recommended are determined by evidence-based research, depending upon age and risk factors.
The Comprehensive Series of Images, or “FMX”
For most adult patients, a comprehensive series of images (FMX) is needed every 5 years for us to practice within the standard of care. This is a series of images that captures every tooth in the mouth, from the end of the root tip to the top of the crown. The radiation exposure from dental imaging is safe at the recommended frequencies and is less than one would be exposed to on a round-trip cross-country flight.
The Panoramic Image, or “PANO,” for Added Oral Cancer Screening
Due to the steady rise in national incidence and deaths from mouth and throat cancers, largely due to the increase in HPV infection, oral pathologists recommend a panoramic image (pano) ideally at a similar frequency. A Pano shows the entire upper and lower jaw in one image, which allows us to inspect beyond the teeth and into the jaw bones to search for abnormal growths that can’t be found visually.
The lifetime risk of developing these cancers is 1/59 for men and 1/139 for women. 20% occur in those under age 55. We believe it is our role to educate the public about these increases and offer Panos as well. Please let us know if you would like us to offer this service for you today or at another visit.
*Please know there are some cases where a pano is needed to capture the dentition when a patient’s anatomy prevents a FMX from doing so. In these cases, the image is needed for standard of care reasons.