What is an OPG X-ray? A Comprehensive Guide for Patients

If your dentist has recommended an OPG X-ray, you may have questions about what it involves and why it’s necessary. An OPG X-ray—short for Orthopantomogram—is a highly effective diagnostic tool used by dental professionals to capture a full, panoramic image of your teeth, jaws, and surrounding bone structures. This type of imaging is essential for diagnosing dental conditions that may not be visible during a routine examination. In this page, we’ll explore what an OPG X-ray is, why it’s recommended, and what you can expect from the procedure.

What is an OPG X-ray?

An OPG X-ray is a form of panoramic radiography that provides a broad, two-dimensional view of the entire dental arch, including both upper and lower jaws, teeth, and the surrounding bone structure. Unlike traditional intraoral X-rays, which focus on individual teeth, an OPG X-ray offers a comprehensive overview, enabling your dentist to identify issues that may otherwise go unnoticed, such as hidden infections, bone loss, or jaw misalignment. OPG X-rays are also extraoral, meaning that no film is placed within the patient’s mouth during the examination which makes it more comfortable.

This advanced imaging technique plays a crucial role in modern dentistry, particularly in complex diagnostic and treatment planning procedures.

Why is an OPG X-ray Recommended?

Your dentist may recommend an OPG X-ray for a variety of reasons, including:

  • Treatment Planning: For procedures such as wisdom tooth extraction, dental implants, or orthodontic treatment, an OPG X-ray offers essential information regarding the positioning of teeth, bones, and nerves.
  • Diagnosis of Hidden Issues: Conditions like impacted teeth, cysts, tumors, or infections often remain undetected during a routine dental checkup. An OPG X-ray can reveal these hidden issues early, preventing more serious complications down the line.
  • Monitoring Growth and Development: Especially in younger patients, an OPG X-ray allows dental professionals to track the development of teeth and jaws, identifying any issues that may require intervention, such as bite misalignment or developmental delays.
  • Assessing Jaw and Bone Health: Dentists use OPG X-rays to assess the health of the jaw and surrounding bone structures, which is crucial for identifying conditions like osteoporosis or TMJ disorders.

According to the Australian Society of Dental Surgeons (ASDS), panoramic radiographs provide valuable insight into a patient’s overall dental health and are essential for accurate diagnosis and planning complex dental procedures such as implants and wisdom tooth extraction (ASDS).

What Happens During an OPG X-ray Procedure?

The process of getting an OPG X-ray is straightforward, quick, and non-invasive. Here’s what you can expect:

  1. Preparation: You will be asked to remove any metal objects, such as jewelry or glasses, to avoid interference with the X-ray.
  2. Positioning: The dental technician will guide you into position, either sitting or standing in front of the X-ray machine. Your head will be gently positioned to ensure a clear, accurate image.
  3. The X-ray: The machine will rotate around your head in a 180-degree arc to capture a full panoramic image. You will be asked to remain still for a few moments while the image is being taken.
  4. Post-procedure: The procedure itself takes only a few minutes, and there is no recovery time required. You can resume your normal activities immediately.

Is an OPG X-ray Safe?

Yes. OPG X-rays are considered safe, with modern equipment using very low levels of radiation. The amount of radiation emitted during the procedure is minimal and focused on the area being imaged. For context, the radiation dose from an OPG X-ray is typically lower than the amount received from natural background radiation over a few days.

According to the Australian Dental Association (ADA), dental X-rays, including panoramic X-rays, are considered safe and provide invaluable diagnostic information while emitting a minimal amount of radiation (ADA).

For comparison, the radiation dose from a dental panoramic X-ray is approximately 0.01 millisieverts (mSv), which is much lower than the dose from a chest X-ray (around 0.1 mSv) or a CT scan (up to 7 mSv) (HealthDirect Australia).

That said, if you are pregnant or may be pregnant, it is important to inform your dentist or technician before undergoing the procedure. In such cases, alternative imaging methods or additional precautions may be taken to ensure safety.

When Will You Receive the Results?

The results of your OPG X-ray are usually available shortly after the procedure. The dental team will review the images and assess any issues that may require further investigation or treatment. In most cases, the X-ray results will be discussed during your next visit, and if no issues are found, your treatment plan will continue as usual.

Why is an OPG X-ray Essential for Modern Dental Care?

The OPG X-ray is a vital diagnostic tool that enhances the precision of dental care. It provides a detailed and comprehensive view of the oral cavity, which helps dentists to:

  • Identify hidden dental conditions that could lead to serious health complications if left untreated.
  • Accurately plan dental treatments, from routine fillings to complex surgeries such as dental implants or jaw realignment.
  • Monitor the progress of treatment and ensure that dental interventions are successful over time.

Without this tool, certain dental conditions could remain undetected until they become much harder to treat.

Conclusion

If your dentist has recommended an OPG X-ray, there’s no need to worry. This safe, non-invasive procedure provides essential information that helps ensure the health and longevity of your teeth and gums. Whether for treatment planning, diagnosing hidden issues, or monitoring oral development, an OPG X-ray plays a critical role in maintaining optimal oral health.

If you have any further questions or concerns about the procedure, feel free to reach us at 03 8306 3120. At Melbourne Dental X-Ray, there is no out of pocket cost if you have a Medicare Australia card as we bulk bill the examination. You are welcome to walk in without an appointment. We are located at the ground floor of 723 Swanston St, Carlton, inside the Melbourne Dental Clinic building.

References:

  1. Australian Dental Association (ADA). “Dental Radiographs.” Retrieved from https://www.ada.org.au.
  2. Australian Society of Dental Surgeons (ASDS). “Radiographic Imaging in Dentistry.” Retrieved from https://www.asds.com.au.
  3. HealthDirect Australia. “Dental X-Rays.” Retrieved from https://www.healthdirect.gov.au.
  4. Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons (RACDS). “Orthodontics and Paediatric Dentistry.” Retrieved from https://www.racds.org.
  5. Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA). “Radiation Dose in Medical Imaging.” Retrieved from https://www.arpansa.gov.au.

an x-ray image of teeth generated by an OPG x-ray machine

OPG dental x-ray of a patient showing endodontically treated tooth on the right molars

Example of OPG x-ray

Type of dental x-ray: Extra oral (no film/sensors are inserted in your mouth)

Duration: Varies depending on machine. Usually 8-15 seconds.

What can the dentist see:

  • Dental caries
  • Unerrupted wisdom teeth
  • Missing teeth
  • Bone levels that support your teeth
  • Signs of dental infection
  • Signs of root resorption
  • General position of inferior dental nerve
  • Presence/absence of extra teeth or pre-molars
  • Position and placement of dental implants
  • Submandibular gland stones
  • Temporo-mandibular joint
  • General overview of maxillary sinus