Information for Consumers - Orthopantomogram (OPG)
OPG stands for orthopantomography. It is a special type of X-Ray that is taken for the teeth by rotating around the patient to give a complete overview of all teeth and their sockets. X-rays use radiation to take pictures of bones and other parts inside the body. An OPG is a panoramic X-ray of the upper and lower jaws, including the teeth. The OPG unit is specifically designed to rotate around the patient’s head during the scan. An OPG will take approximately 20 seconds.
An OPG can be used to look for
Benefits of an OPG
- Painless, fast and easy
- No radiation is left in your body after the OPG is finished
Risks of an OPG
Your doctor, dentist or dental specialist knows the risks of having an OPG and will consider the risks before recommending you have this type of X-ray.
Possible risks are
- Painless, fast and An extremely small chance of injury to a developing fetus
- An extremely small chance you could develop cancer in the long term from the radiation. However, if you need the examination, the potential benefits will outweigh this small risk
Preparation
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.
Leave all jewellery and valuables at home.
Just before the OPG
There is no special preparation for an OPG.
You may be asked to remove any metal objects.
Important to tell your doctor before the OPG
If you are or may be pregnant.
What happens during an OPG?
Medical imaging staff will ask you to sit on a chair or stand for the OPG. It is important that you tell the staff if you have difficulty sitting or standing unassisted. The radiographer may place a protective shield over the parts of your body not being X-rayed, or you may be asked to wear a protective apron.
When you are ready, the radiographer will go behind a screen to start the OPG machine. They will ask you to 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.
Consent
A written consent is generally not required for an OPG.
You have the right to refuse an examination and may do so if you wish.
When will I get the results?
The amount of time it takes for you to get your results will differ depending on where you get your scans done. The medical imaging doctor will look at the images and issue a report. The images may be on films 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.
After the OPG
You will be able to go soon after the OPG is finished and can continue with normal activities.
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