Orthopantomogram (OPG) is a type of X-ray panoramic image of all teeth, the entire lower jaw (mandible), upper jaw (maxilla), temporomandibular (jaw) joints and maxillary sinuses.
Indications
There are a number of indications (reasons for imaging) for this type of imaging, some of the most common are:
- assessment of overall dental health
- assessment of the presence of caries or disease origin of dental pulp
- assessment of tissue damage due to traumatic fracture of the tooth or jaw
- assessment of infection: sinusitis, periodontitis or periapical abscesses
- assessment of the presence of tumors or radicular cysts
- assessment of temporomandibular joint disease, fracture or dislocation
- assessment of facial bone disease
- foreign body localization
- identification of the presence of stones in the salivary gland (sialolithiasis)
- monitoring the growth and development of teeth in children due to the location, shape, angle, excessive presence of teeth and the absence of tooth germs to prevent or prepare for possible future orthodontic treatment
- initial evaluation or follow-up of orthodontic treatment
How is the imaging performed?
Before the imaging itself, it is recommended to remove all jewelry, hearing aids, glasses and other metals, because their presence can affect the quality of the imaging. The patient is given a protective apron with a 0.5 mm thick layer of lead as protection against X-rays. Shooting is done in a standing / sitting position with the head resting on the camera, the sterile mouthpiece is gently bitten, so the head and mouth will be in a stable position and ensure high quality shots. Imaging is painless and lasts from 16-24 seconds.
The imaging can be printed on foil or photo paper, burned to a CD or emailed.