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Acteon Digital Panoramic & Cephalometric X-ray

Acteon Digital Panoramic & Cephalometric X-ray

What Is the Acteon System?

Acteon (manufactured by the Acteon Group, France) is one of the most established names in dental imaging worldwide. Their digital panoramic and cephalometric systems are used in dental schools, hospitals and advanced private practices across Europe. The machine combines two distinct imaging functions in one unit.

Panoramic X-ray — What It Shows

Complete overview of all upper and lower teeth — including unerupted teeth
Bone levels around the teeth (gum disease assessment)
Impacted wisdom teeth and their relationship to the inferior alveolar nerve
Cysts, tumours or other lesions in the jaws
Maxillary sinus pathology
Jaw joint (TMJ) screening overview
Children's developing teeth and eruption sequence
Old root canal treatments and existing restorations

How the System Works

Both panoramic and cephalometric scans are captured digitally — meaning no chemical processing, no waiting and no film. The X-ray source rotates around your head (panoramic) or captures a single instantaneous side projection (cephalometric), and the image appears on our screen within seconds.

Key technical features:

Digital sensor with ultra-low-dose protocols

Multiple imaging modes for specific clinical questions (full panoramic, TMJ view, bitewings simulation, sinus view)

High-resolution images that can be enhanced, zoomed and measured digitally

Compatible with our digital records — every image is stored securely in your patient file

Compatible with international dental imaging standards (DICOM)

Cephalometric X-ray — What It Shows

Side-profile relationship of the upper and lower jaws
Skeletal classification (Class I, II, III)
Angulation of the front teeth
Airway dimensions
Soft tissue profile (lips, nose, chin)
Skeletal growth patterns (in children and adolescents)
Cervical vertebrae maturation (an indicator of growth stage)
Cephalometric imaging is essential before any meaningful orthodontic treatment plan in adults or growing children.

When We Use Each Modality

Panoramic indications:
Initial examination of a new patient
Before wisdom tooth extractions
As part of orthodontic assessment
Investigation of jaw or facial pain
Screening for cysts or lesions
Assessment of unerupted or impacted teeth
Children's developmental review (typically from age 7 onwards)
Pre-prosthetic planning (dentures, bridges)
Cephalometric indications:
Before starting orthodontic treatment (braces or aligners)
Pre-orthodontic treatment planning in children
Growth monitoring in adolescents undergoing functional orthodontics
Pre-surgical orthodontic / orthognathic surgery planning
Airway assessment in patients with breathing or sleep concerns

Radiation Safety

The Acteon system uses far less radiation than older film-based equipment. Typical doses:
Digital panoramic: ~0.01–0.03 mSv
Digital cephalometric: ~0.005–0.01 mSv
Combined (panoramic + cephalometric): ~0.02–0.04 mSv
Single transatlantic flight: 0.04–0.08 mSv
Background radiation per year: ~3 mSv
In other words, a complete panoramic + cephalometric study at Dentistar exposes you to less radiation than a typical flight.
Additional safety measures:
Lead apron always provided
Thyroid collar where indicated
X-rays only taken when clinically necessary (ALARA principle)
Reduced-dose protocols for children and young adults
Postponed during pregnancy unless absolutely urgent

Why We Chose the Acteon System

Outstanding image quality — sharp, high-contrast images for confident diagnosis
Industry-leading low radiation doses
Established European manufacturer with strong support and service network
Wide range of imaging modes for specific clinical needs
Reliable, consistent performance across years of daily use
Seamless integration with our digital patient records

Patient Experience

The scan itself is fast, painless and quiet:
You stand or sit at the machine
Your chin rests on a small support and you bite gently on a bite block
A lead apron is placed for protection
The arm rotates around your head (panoramic) or captures a single side view (cephalometric)
The image appears on our screen within seconds
We review the findings with you immediately
Total time, including preparation and review: typically 5–10 minutes.

Everything You Need to Know

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How is digital panoramic different from a traditional X-ray?

Traditional film X-rays used much higher radiation doses, required chemical development and took longer to view. Digital panoramic uses up to 90% less radiation, produces an image within seconds, and the digital file can be enhanced, magnified, measured and shared electronically. The diagnostic quality is also significantly higher.

Will I need both a panoramic AND a cephalometric?

Often, yes — particularly before orthodontic treatment. Each captures different information: panoramic shows the teeth and jaws in front view; cephalometric shows the side-profile skeletal relationships. Together they form the complete orthodontic record.

Is the Acteon X-ray safe for children?

Yes — the doses are very low, and we apply paediatric-specific protocols that reduce them further. With a lead apron and thyroid collar, the dose to sensitive tissues is minimal. We take X-rays in children only when there’s a clear clinical benefit.

How long does the imaging take?

The panoramic scan itself takes 14–20 seconds. The cephalometric is even shorter. With preparation and review, total appointment time is typically 5–10 minutes for both.

Do you take a CBCT instead of panoramic for some cases?

Yes. Panoramic and CBCT have different roles. Panoramic is the routine starting point for general assessment. CBCT (3D imaging) is used when 3D detail is essential — implant planning, complex root canal anatomy, surgical guides, impacted canines, and so on. See our dedicated CBCT page for full details.

Can I get a copy of my X-rays?

Yes — always. You can request your images at any time and we’ll send them digitally or on a USB. They form part of your medical record and belong to you.