OPG X-Ray
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Nunc sodales interdum tellus ac congue. Pellentesque hendrerit varius venenatis. Donec tristique lorem vel felis lacinia, sed fringilla ex rutrum. Mauris non nunc tincidunt, pellentesque enim rutrum, tempor justo. Nullam dictum, dui ut euismod venenatis, metus nulla semper metus, eu viverra sem lorem lacinia ligula. Pellentesque a risus orci. Curabitur bibendum accumsan venenatis.
What is an OPG X-Ray?
An OPG (Orthopantomogram) is a panoramic dental X-ray capturing both the upper and lower jaws. It provides a flattened, two-dimensional view from ear to ear. Panoramic X-rays use multiple angles to create a composite image, showing the maxilla (upper jaw) and mandible (lower jaw) within the viewing area. Structures outside this area appear blurred. Your dentist may likely take an OPG at some point during your dental treatment to determine a treatment plan tailored to your needs.
An OPG also reveals the number, position, and growth of all teeth, including those yet to surface or erupt through the gum. Unlike close-up X-rays of individual teeth, it offers a broader view with less fine detail. This wider perspective is especially valuable for examining challenging areas like wisdom teeth or monitoring the development of a child's jaw and teeth.
Moreover, an OPG is frequently utilized to assess the jaw joint, known as the TMJ (temporomandibular joint) or CMA (cranio-mandibular articulation), particularly in cases of teeth grinding.
How is it done?
During the scan, you'll rest your chin on a small chin rest in front of the X-ray machine and gently bite down on a sterile mouthpiece while pressing your tongue against the hard palate. It's crucial to remain as still as possible during the scan to ensure clear images.
Before the X-ray, you'll need to remove any glasses, jewelry, hearing aids, and dentures you're wearing. The scan itself is quick, painless, and has no side effects, typically lasting just a few seconds.