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A panoramic X-ray of the upper and lower jaw and teeth

Our dental OPG (orthopantomogram) unit produces high quality diagnostic images using the lowest possible dose of radiation, while our dedicated radiographers look after you throughout the process. The procedure is painless and fast.

OPG

The OPG  unit rotates around your head during the scan to create images of your jaws and teeth. The procedure takes approximately 20 seconds.

An OPG can be used to look for:

  • fractures
  • dislocated jaw
  • infection
  • dentition (teeth).

It can also be used for surgical planning.

There is no special preparation for an OPG.

Bring your referral letter or request form and all OPG X-rays taken within the last 2 years with you. Leave the X-rays with the medical imaging staff as the doctor may need to look at them. The staff member will tell you when these are ready to be picked up.

You will be asked to sit on a chair or stand for the OPG. Make sure you tell the staff if you have difficulty sitting or standing unassisted.

When you are ready, the radiographer will go behind a screen to start the OPG machine. You must be still during the OPG. When your OPG is finished you will be asked to wait while the radiographer checks the pictures. The procedure usually takes about 5 minutes including time taken to get ready.

The Radiologist will look at the images and issue a report. The images may be on a CD or on a computer.

Ask whether you should wait to take the images and report with you, or whether they will be sent to your doctor or dentist. You will need to make an appointment to discuss the images and report with your doctor or dentist.

The results will be available within 48 hours.