An Orthopantomogram (OPG) is a type of dental x-ray that produces a panoramic view of the upper and lower jaw, including the teeth. It shows a three-dimensional view from one side of the ear to another side of the ear.

WHY DO YOU NEED TO PERFORM AN OPG?

OPG is performed while you go for a general dental checkup and it can also be used to detect and evaluate the problems such as:

• Orthodontic assessment
• Cavities within the teet.
• Impacted wisdom teeth
• To find the source of dental pain
• Fractures
• Periodontal bone loss
• It can also be used for planning dental surgery
• Dislocation of the jaw
• Assessment to be carried out for the placement of dental implants
• Infection
• Tumors
• Sinuses

HOW IS AN OPG PERFORMED?

• There are no special preparations required to undergo an OPG test.
• Once you reach the dental center for the OPG test, there will be a specialized x-ray machine which is used to produce images.
• The technician will ask you to sit or stand still in front of the machine and then ask you to place your chin on a plastic rest.
• The technician might put a protective shield around your body that is not being x-rayed or will ask you to wear an apron
• A part of the machine will rotate around your head for about 20 seconds and a picture will be generated.
• The approx. time the process takes is 5-10 minutes.
• After the OPG test is done, you can get back to your work, activities or your daily routine, immediately.
• OPG is a painless, fast and easy process that does not leave any type of radiation in your body after it is finished.