When do you need an OPG or full mouth X-ray?
When we want to take a look at what’s happening to our teeth, we use a mirror. However, you can only see the surfaces of the teeth but not so much of the details. You cannot see what is happening below the gum line or inside the teeth. If you cannot see the details of your teeth with a common mirror, it means your dentist cannot do it as well.
Fortunately, we have one of the latest technology in dentistry known as an Orthopantogram (OPG) or full mouth dental x-ray. It helps in making the invisible details of the teeth visible and gives important diagnostic information to the dentist.
What is an OPG or full mouth X-ray?
An OPG is an advanced type of full dental x-ray. It is a wide-view x-ray that helps in displaying the teeth for both the upper jaw and the lower one in a single film. It shows the position, number as well as growth of all the teeth in the mouth, including those that have not surfaced above the gum line.
OPG x-ray will produce a 2-dimensional view of the mandible and the maxilla. The images produced will help the dentist make a correct diagnosis.
How do OPG x-rays work?
The principles used to take an OPG are similar to the ones of a basic x-ray.
This is a scan procedure involving you resting your chin in front of the OPG machine and biting on a sterile mouthpiece. You will then be required to press your tongue against the hard palate to help with this process. Your dentist will ask you to maintain stillness to ensure that clear images are captured during the scan.
The complete process will only take a few seconds.
When do you need an OPG or full mouth X-ray?
When it comes to dental health, it’s best to diagnose issues in their earliest stages. This is where OPD or full mouth x-ray can prove helpful. They help dentists comprehensively understand a wide range of conditions that could potentially arise before they start worsening and turning into chronic problems. Here are some of the reasons you might need an OPG done on you:
- Fractures
- Cavities
- Tumors
- Teeth Impaction
- Jaw dislocation
- Infection
- Sinuses
- Orthodontic treatment
- Evaluate wisdom teeth development
Contact us at Springvale Dental Clinic to get an OPG or full mouth X-ray. We provide convenient OPG X-rays using state-of-the-art technology.
