Which type of radiograph is NOT intraoral?

The panoramic radiograph is considered the option that is not an intraoral type. Intraoral radiographs are those taken with the film or digital sensor placed inside the mouth, providing detailed images of specific teeth or areas of the dental arch.

Bitewing and periapical radiographs are both classic examples of intraoral films; bitewings assess interproximal areas and caries detection, while periapical films capture the entire tooth, from the crown to the root, and surrounding bone structures. Occlusal radiographs, although they capture a larger area than periapicals, are still considered intraoral since they are also taken with the film inside the mouth, typically used to view the maxillary or mandibular arch.

In contrast, the panoramic radiograph is taken outside the mouth and provides a comprehensive view of the entire dentition and surrounding structures in a single image. This broader perspective is valuable for assessing overall dental health and planning treatment, making it distinctly non-intraoral.