A dental X-ray is used for diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up dental problems. Panoramic x-ray helps in examining the dentist those parts with can’t be visible to the naked eye, such as underlined gums conditions, tooth root position, complete picture of partially erupted and unerupted teeth, jaw bone, and temporomandibular joint health.
OPG or orthopantomogram is a dental radiograph, that provides a 2-dimension view of both jaws. It is used by the dentist to examine complete mouth detail such as multiple teeth in a single film, tooth root relation with jaw bones, and complete detail of upper and lower jaw, impacted wisdom teeth, and also help in finding any abnormality in the temporomandibular joint TMJ (the point where lower jaw attached with skull bone).
DENTAL XRAYS(OPG)
A dental x-ray is a diagnostic tool that aids in identifying the problem below the gumline under the jaw bone. Different types of x-rays used to identify the dental problem such as periapical, lateral cephalogram, and OPG.
The selection of an X-ray depends on the oral part required to examine. OPG can provide complete detail of the mouth in x-ray, about jaw development, and jaw fracture, during implant placement to monitor the tooth surrounding bone resorption, and also help in diagnosing oral tumors.
OPG is cost-effective in providing multiple teeth images in a single radiographic film with a control radiation dose. The average OPG cost in Australia is around 90$ to 200$ which is cheaper than individual tooth x-ray costs or PA x-ray costs for multiple teeth.
TELL ME THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN OPG AND LATERAL CEPH.
In lateral cephalogram x-ray, a radiographic image is a capture from the side view of the object. It gives similar details of all facial structures, bones and soft tissue as OPG can generate but from a different view. it is commonly used by orthodontics to monitor the teeth alignment, the relation of teeth with the jaw, and open and crossbites diagnosis.
As compared to OPG it captured the front view of the head, by rotating one ear to another. It can provide a complete radiographic image of both the temporomandibular joint (TMJ, maxillary sinus and its relation with upper front teeth in a single radiographic film.
WHAT HAPPENS DURING DENTAL X- RAYS?
During the dental radiograph, the dental radiologist asked you to set your chin at chin rest and then bite on a sterile bite piece, you should remain static, and avoid any movement then a machine rotate around your head within a second it captured both jaws, maxillary sinus, and temporomandibular joint TMJ.
A dental radiograph definition is a lighter image of teeth and jaw on a dark dental x-ray film by the penetration of radiation energy through hard tissue. Radiation energy passes from the harder object such as bone and jaw produces a lighter image and if it passes from soft tissue such as check and gums it produces a dark image.
The principal advantages of panoramic/ OPG
The principal advantage of a panoramic radiograph is used to capture full mouth detail, all teeth, both jaws, and TMJ joint as compared to other dental x-rays.
Save patients from multiple radiation exposures. OPG is the best way to avoid unnecessary radiation rays.
OPG is easy to handle, with no worries about dental film placement and position inside the mouth, especially for children and people with limited mouth opening.
How to get my result?
You can get your OPG x-rays results on the same day from your radiographer technician. They can develop your result on an x-ray film, the result can also be shared in CD form or electronic transfer to your referring dentist.
How do I prepare for a dental x-ray?
You should remove all accessories from your head and neck. Metal accessories and jewellery such as earrings, neckless, and nose pins can reflect the radiation and make a lite image on the dark x-ray film. That produces a hindrance to examining the details of jaws, TMJ, and teeth.
If you are pregnant you should Inform the radiologist about it because X-rays are contraindicated in pregnancy it can cause genetic alteration in the fetus.
Conclusion
Dental X-rays are the most essential screening tool in dental treatment. Without an x-ray, it is impossible to find and treat a dental problem. OPG is required to diagnose teeth and jaw problems, jaw fractures, and children’s jaw growth, and to monitor jaw health after implant placement.
