An OPG is a panoramic or wide view x-ray of the lower face, which displays all the teeth of the upper and lower jaw on a single film. It demonstrates the number, position and growth of all the teeth including those that have not yet surfaced or erupted. It is different from the small close up x-rays dentists take of individual teeth. An OPG may also reveal problems with the jawbone and the joint which connects the jawbone to the head, called the Temporomandibular joint or TMJ. An OPG may be requested for the planning of orthodontic treatment, for assessment of wisdom teeth or for a general overview of the teeth and the bone which supports 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.
