INSTRUCTIONS FOR X‑RAY PATIENTS

Sutter Medical Center, Sacramento / Children's Outpatient Services

Cleft Lip and Palate/Craniofacial Panel

As part of your Panel Preliminary Appointments, your child has been referred to Central Dental X‑Ray Laboratory to obtain a set of orthodontic x‑rays. These x‑rays will need to be completed prior to your panel visit. The information obtained from these x‑rays will aid in the diagnosis and development of a treatment plan for your child.

 A basic orthodontic survey will include several x‑rays and a series of 35mm photographs. Depending on the survey, the procedure can take anywhere from 15 minutes to approximately one hour. If you are bringing a very small child or someone who has special needs, please let us know so we can schedule the proper amount of time for your appointment.

 Please be prepared to remove any metal from around your head (all earrings, necklaces, hair‑clips, etc.). The patient will be positioned in a variety of ways within the x‑ray machinery, but should not experience any discomfort. The full jaw films will be taken with the patient in a head‑hold. This uses ear‑pegs, positioned slightly into the ears, to hold the head level. The x‑rays of the inside of the mouth are similar to ones taken at a dentist's office. Some people experience discomfort if they have a very small mouth or tend to gag. Please let the technician know if anything is uncomfortable.

 The 35mm photographs will be taken of the patient's face and teeth. Retractors; and small mirrors are used inside the mouth to aid in photographing all of the teeth.

 If you have any questions concerning the x‑rays, please feel free to call the lab at (916) 443‑6814 or the Outpatient Admissions Representative at (916) 7338146.

For directions to x-ray lab, click here