What is an OPG?
X-rays use radiation to take pictures of bones and other parts inside the body. An OPG is a panoramic X-ray of the upper and lower jaws, including the teeth. The OPG unit is specifically designed to rotate around the patient’s head during the scan. An OPG will take approximately 20 seconds.
An OPG can be used to look for
- Fractures
- Dislocated jaw
- Infection
- Dentition (teeth)
It can also be used for surgical planning.
Benefits of an OPG
- Painless, fast and easy
- No radiation is left in your body after the OPG is finished
Risks of an OPG
Your doctor, dentist or dental specialist knows the risks of having an OPG and will consider the risks before recommending you have this type of X-ray.
Possible risks are
- An extremely small chance of injury to a developing fetus
- An extremely small chance you could develop cancer in the long term from the radiation. However, if you need the examination, the potential benefits will outweigh this small risk
Preparation
Bring your referral letter or request form and all OPG X-rays taken within the last 2 years with you. Leave the X-rays with the medical imaging staff as the doctor may need to look at them. The staff member will tell you when these are ready to be picked up.
Leave all jewellery and valuables at home.
Just before the OPG
There is no special preparation for an OPG.You may be asked to remove any metal objects.
Important to tell your doctor before the OPG
If you are or may be pregnant.
What happens during an OPG?
Medical imaging staff will ask you to sit on a chair or stand for the OPG. It is important that you tell the staff if you have difficulty sitting or standing unassisted. The radiographer may place a protective shield over the parts of your body not being X-rayed, or you may be asked to wear a protective apron.
When you are ready, the radiographer will go behind a screen to start the OPG machine. They will ask you to be still during the OPG. When your OPG is finished you will be asked to wait while the radiographer checks the pictures. The procedure usually takes about 5 minutes including time taken to get ready.
After the OPG
You will be able to go soon after the OPG is finished and can continue with normal activities.
Clinical situations in which orthopantomographies are recommended
These situations are the following:
- First examination of new patients (patients with multiple deep carious lesions, with orthodontic and periodontal problems).
- Early diagnosis of dental anomalies (diagnosis omitted especially at the ages of 10, 15 and 20 years), to verify the dentition and provide an opportune diagnosis of tumors or cysts.
- Establish the exact cause of tooth loss.
- Radiographic examination of the teeth with endodontic treatment.
- Suspected odontogenic sinus disease.
- Facial and maxillary asymmetry.
- Painful or asymptomatic swelling
- Multiple dental extractions, with sustenance osteomyelitis pectada.
- Examination of non-odontogenic cysts, tumors and bone lesions similar to tumors.
- Suspicion of tumors or invasive bone bones ( metastasis ).
- Paraesthesia of the mandibular nerve.
- Unusual sensitivity of the teeth, unusual rashes.
- Separation, spacing or migration of the teeth.
- Radiographic examination of the maxillofacial area orography in systemic diseases and syndromes.
- Maxillofacial fractures and suspected post-traumatic fractures.
- Before and after surgery in Maxillofacial surgery.