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!
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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.
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