How often do dentists make panoramic dental x-rays?

OK when I started going to my current dentist in July 2005, I had a panoramic dental x-ray, which I had never had before and haven't had sense; I was told they were 'updating their records', and were making them of all of their new patients.

I have always had the bite-wing x-rays done every year, and was wondering if they make these panoramic dental x-rays on a regular basis, or just when needed, or what? I'm 22, have been to two other dentists in my lifetime and have never had one of these made before so I'm assuming they're just for special things only? I'm asking, because I won't have dental insurance until 2008 and am wondering if I'm due one of these things when I have my regular x-rays done this or next summer.

Thank you!

In general, every 3-5 years. Sometimes every 2 years, depending.

FYI: Panoramic radiographs show all your jaw (both upper and lower) in one image. They are good for an "overall" view, and especially helpful in creating a "baseline" for a patient. That is, when I have a new patient, especially one your age, I like to have a "pan" because it tells me a few things that bitewing radiographs or even a full mouth series cannot:

-condition of your jaw in general
Are tumors present? And if there is some sort of bone irregularity, looking at 2-3 pans taken over a decade is a nice way to determine and track changes

-condition of wisdom teeth
(presence or absence, position/orientation,...)

-in kids, it shows the developing teeth as well, giving a bit of a window into the future
Are there lots of extra teeth? Are there teeth missing? Are the teeth developing ok, but perhaps more slowly than the normal?

All of these factors help me as a general dentist gather as much information as I can, to give you as accurate a diagnosis as I can. Too, the information pans provide help me determine if and when a referral to a specialist is warranted.

You mentioned that you will not have insurance again until 2008. Don't forget that should you decide to change dentists, you can always request a copy of all your radiographs, thereby decreasing the likelihood that the new dentist will need to repeat films.

they I really don't know at all

Panoramic x-rays aren't really a regular check-up procedure. I didn't even have them when I switched dentists, I only had the bitewings. The only time I ever had them was when I got my braces put on. I don't think it was necessary for you to have them.

Panoramic x rays are used to see the whole mouth in one shot. Usually oral surgeons use them to see where your wisdon teeth are. Not too many regular dentists take panoramic x rays because they are hard to detect cavities on. Your dentist should have taken a full mouth series on you, but he was probably just lazy. A full mouth series consists of at least 14 x rays and 2 bitewings, the 2 bitewings should be taken every year, but the rest of the x rays should be good for a while.

Oral surgeons and orthodontists usually take the panorex x rays not general dentists, so i'd say u dont need to have a panorex done ever again unless ur worried about ur wisdon teeth, or you wanna get braces.

Panoramic x-rays are usually taken on people who have their third molars (wisdom teeth) present, people with TMJ problems, or people considering orthodontic treatment.

They can be a useful diagnostic tool. Perhaps you could ask the dentist or assistant why they need it?

Panoramic x-rays are recommended every three to five years. This type of x-ray is used to determine location and condition of the wisdom as well as to check for tumors/cysts within the bone of the upper and lower jaws.

I think I had only one of these and then they do them only when there is a problem...not positive though.

We do them every 5 years, unless we have a specific reason why we would need one sooner. If we do take one sooner, we don't charge the patient.

I work in the dental field and panos are usually taken around age 7 and then again before a child is ready for braces the pano is necessary to see everything that is going on in the mouth. The thing it is usually used for are to help the dentist see if there are still teeth comming in and if you have any wisdom teeth or extra or if the dentist thinks you have a missing tooth and that it may be impacted. If all your teeth are normal and your wisdom teeth are all out, there should be no reason to take a pano. but keep up with bitewings they let you know if you have any cavities.