What type of radiograph provides a full view of the mouth?

A panoramic X-ray is specifically designed to provide a comprehensive view of the entire mouth in a single image. This type of radiograph captures a broad view of all teeth, the surrounding bone structure, and the jaw joint, allowing dentists to assess various aspects of oral health, including tooth alignment, positions of unerupted teeth, and identification of oral pathologies that might not be visible on other types of X-rays.

In contrast, bitewing X-rays focus on the upper and lower teeth in a specific area to help detect decay between the teeth and changes in bone levels, providing a limited view. Periapical X-rays zoom in on one or two teeth and the surrounding bone, which is essential for evaluating the health of the roots and the bone structure, but they do not encompass the entire mouth. Cephalometric X-rays are primarily used in orthodontics to analyze the relationship of the teeth to the bones and soft tissues of the face but do not provide a full view of the dental arches in a single image. Thus, the panoramic X-ray stands out as the most effective option for capturing a complete view of the mouth.