DIGITAL OPG

An OPG (Orthopantomagram) is a panoramic scanning dental X-ray of the upper and lower jaw. It shows a flattened two-dimensional view of a half-circle from ear to ear. Panoramic x-rays allow images of multiple angles to be taken to make up the composite panoramic image, where the maxilla (upper jaw) and mandible (lower jaw) are in the viewed area.

An OPG also demonstrates the number, position and growth of all the teeth including those that have not yet erupted through the gum. It is different from the small close up x-rays dentists take of individual teeth. It shows less fine detail, but a much broader area of view. This can be particularly useful to check hard to see areas like wisdom teeth, or the development of a child’s jaw and teeth, useful for assessing for development generally, but also orthodontic need. It is also often used to check your jaw joint, called the TMJ (temperomandibular joint)