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.
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