OPG (Panoramic X-Ray)

An abbreviation for Orthopantomogram. It is a panoramic scanning dental X-ray of the upper and lower jaw. It provides a wide view of all teeth (including those not yet erupted), the jawbone, the temporomandibular joints (TMJ), and the sinuses.

Why It Matters

It is the standard initial scan for new patients. It reveals impacted wisdom teeth, bone loss levels, cysts, and infections that small individual X-rays (bitewings) might miss.

Clinical Details

• Technique: The machine rotates around the patient's head. It is extraoral (sensor is outside the mouth).