Orthopantomography (OPG), also known as OPG x-ray, is a scanning process that provides a wide or panoramic view of the lower part of the face. Medical professionals use this imaging technique to capture vibrant pictures of the structural changes inside the teeth, bones, and gums on both the upper and lower jaws. It includes wisdom teeth, which take some time to erupt. The OPG x-ray machine also scans internal sections of the jawbone as well as the temporomandibular joint. Continue reading to know more about this modern-day dental scanning method.
Why do Dentists Opt for OPG X-Ray?
Experts use dental x-rays to assess the patients’ overall oral health or locate particular problems, like, tooth decay, impacted teeth, or cavities. However, they prefer OPG over other imaging techniques to diagnose a patient’s teeth and identify position, growth, and numbers. They may carry out the technique to plan orthodontic treatment and recognize the presence or evaluate wisdom teeth’s development. The process is also useful for getting a general overview of a person’s dental health.
Compelling reasons to get an OPG X-Ray
This vital test helps diagnose critical problems. Some of them are as follows:
- Tooth positioning and other bone abnormalities
- Advanced Periodontal disease
- Cysts in the jawbones
- Bone loss in the jawbone from a missing tooth or gum disease
- Tooth decay, especially between two teeth or under a filing
- Sinusitis
- Fractured jaw
- Dislocated jaw
Moreover, this scan can help plan surgeries and treat extractions, dentures, braces, and implants. To know about an efficient dental facility, just do some web search by typing “OPG x-ray near me”.
What Do an OPG X-Ray’s Results Mean?
The scan can indicate any of the conditions mentioned below:
- Infections like sinusitis, periapical abscesses, or periodontitis
- Foreign body localization
- Radicular cyst or tumor
- Jaw fractures
- Trauma to tooth
How Do Medical Professionals Carry Out the OPG X-Ray?
For a successful outcome, first, choose a reputed dental clinic. Type the keyword “OPG x-ray near me” and browse the web on your mobile phone to get some helpful results. Now, learn about how doctors perform the scan. An OPG x-ray develops pictures of the jaw or mouth using low-level X-radiation. It comprises a horizontal rotating arm that supports an x-ray source and a shifting cassette/film or detector at the other end.
A dentist places the patient’s head firmly between the detector/film and the x-ray generator. The arm then revolves around the person’s head and gets various images to create a panoramic picture of the head’s lower part. The patient has to position their mouth on a chin-rest and bite a sterile mouthpiece gently. A radiologist places the patient in such a way that the mouth and the head remain steady while the images are clicked. The process usually lasts for about 20 seconds.
If you are pregnant, remember to inform your doctor before the OPG x-ray process begins. Even if there is a slight chance that you may be pregnant, the medical professional should be aware of it. The dentist can then take the essential precautions to safeguard the foetus from radiation.
Is OPG Safe?
Of course, it is safe! The process uses lower radiation doses of about 7-27 µSv, as compared to the other procedures. Dentists usually follow certain safety precautions while performing this scan. As with all x-rays, they first remove any glass, jewelry, or other metal things. It ensures that they do not affect the images in any way. For further safety, the patient may have to wear a lead apron and thyroid collar to avoid radiation exposure to other body parts closer to the mouth.
Even though the radiation exposure is low in the case of OPG x-ray, all equipment using x-radiation should have the necessary licensing for functioning. It is crucial for both the operating personnel and the patients. An OPG x-ray is painless and easy, and it can wrap up quickly. If you have a sensitive gag reflex, the dentist may use this test instead of an intraoral x-ray.
How is OPG Beneficial?
The process is fast and easy to operate. It is thus convenient for people with limited jaw movement. Also, an OPG x-ray uses a lower radiation dosage. There will be no radiation left in your body after the dentist finishes the scans.
Ignoring this x-ray can lead to the development of undiagnosed oral conditions. In the future, it can result in more serious dental health outcomes that you would not like. An OPG scan offers early detection and lets patients get timely treatment. Thus, it raises their chances for a successful and quick recovery. Just search on the internet with “OPG x-ray near me” and discover several suitable medical centers.
OPG x-rays usually do not have any side effects. It is one of the main reasons why so many people trust this new dental scan. Also, this process is helpful for children. Doctors can perform it on young ones since they do not have to keep the film inside the mouth.
However, there is a slight risk. If you are pregnant, radiation exposure could hurt or damage the fetus. As mentioned above, you can solve this problem by consulting with your dentist. Hence, an OPG x-ray test is relatively safe, and people of every age can choose it for its numerous benefits.
Digital Vs. Analog Dental X-Rays
In the case of OPG scans, the images are digitally created. The medical professionals then keep it in your digital file with all the other x-rays. Dental scanning technology is transitioning from conventional film technology to digital x-ray technology. The latter utilizes electronic sensors and computers to develop images. When you type “OPG x-ray near me” on a search engine, you will also learn about hospitals that use this new technology.
Digital scans offer a real-time review, and the expert does not have to wait for the film to be produced. Also, there can be high-quality pictures that reduce the number of necessary retakes and the patient’s radiation exposure. There are other incredible benefits, like, the ability to enhance images and handle them conveniently.
What Happens After an OPG X-Ray?
There will be no reason for you to wait at the hospital. You can go home as soon as the professional finishes the OPG x-ray and continue your regular work. The scan takes less time.
What Should Hospitals Consider For Buying the Best OPG Machine?
- Compatibility: An OPG device should not disturb your original workflow and must be compatible. It then lets you integrate it seamlessly into your existing workflow. It is one of the first things that clinics’ should consider while buying this equipment.
- Menu Controls: The system navigation must be seamless. It will then help the user save time and switch between alternate views. The whole thing must be a simple process. To know about the clinics that use the best machine, perform a web search with the words “OPG x-ray near me”.
- Alternate Views: Newer technology offers more functionality. Different new OPG machines let the user collimate the exposure part. It helps them see the portions of the jaw or mouth they desire. For instance, you can obtain “super-bitewings” that show the posterior teeth, or acquire an image of just the condyles.
- Upgrades: Ensure that your preferred machine has an option for easy upgrade. It is a vital consideration while spending on a device for your dental facility.
To sum it up, OPG x-ray is a safe and convenient modern-day process that benefits patients immensely. Visit a renowned medical facility and get your mouth checked.
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