NP – shorthand for New Patient and is when the patient has never been seen by your office before.
FMX – Full mouth X-rays – 20 images composed of 16 periapical and 4 bitewing images.
BW – x-rays that show teeth above the gum line and the height of the bone between teeth. Bitewings help diagnose gum disease and cavities between teeth. The bitewing X-ray is placed on the tongue side of your teeth and held in place by biting down on a tab. Normally four bitewings are taken as a set.
VBW – Vertical Bitewings – these are similar to the regular bitewing x-rays but are turned vertically to show more of the teeth and the height of the bone between teeth. With vertical bitewings, typically 7 images are taken as a set.
Occlusal – Occlusal x-rays show the roof or floor of the mouth and are used to find extra teeth, teeth that have not yet broken through the gums, jaw fractures, a cleft palate, cysts, abscesses or growths.
PAN – Panoramic x-rays, just like panoramic photos, are used to take images of your entire mouth area. It shows the position of fully emerged, emerging, and impacted teeth, all in one image.
PA– A periapical (PA) X-ray refers to a single X-ray that is taken to show a specific area of concern.
TXP – Treatment Plan – The dentist’s plan for the patient that outlines exactly what dental services is recommended and in what timeframe
