OPG ( Orthopantomogram) is a scanning dental x-ray of both upper and lower jaw. It shows a flattened two dimensional view of half circle from ear to ear.
OPGs are an amazing diagnostic x-rays for detecting irregular teeth, tumors, cysts, infections. OPGs are super quick, convenient and helpful in patients with limited mouth opening.
In case where patient needs several teeth to be replaced, multiple extractions, orthodontic teeth correction, etc. OPG is recommended as compared to a IOPA i.e. Intraoral Periapical radiograph, a small dental x-ray of that shows 2-3 no. of teeth on a single film.
Once the patient stands in the machine and set up, it takes around 20 seconds for the machine to move around your head to capture the x-ray.
The x-ray then instantaneously appears on the computer screen for the dentist to be able to diagnose accurately.
In cases like road side accidents or injury cases where dentist suspects fracture of either or both the jaws OPG proves to be an better diagnostic aid as it is not necessary to open the mouth as well as gives a whole picture of entire upper and lower jaw bones.