Dental Imaging and OPG

An Orthopantomography (OPG) is a simple x-ray that provides the referring clinician with an overall view of your jaw, teeth and joints. It is an excellent tool for diagnosing diseases of teeth and bone, and is generally done for most patients that require surgical, periodontal or dental treatment.  An OPG is a rotational panoramic plain film dental x-ray that allows your referring practitioner to view the upper and lower jaw in a 2-dimensional format.

Cone Beam examinations are more detailed studies of the jaw, teeth and joints that are required for surgical procedures, implants, orthodontic treatment or diagnosing pathology.  A Cone Beam is a low dose CT that allows imaging of the jaw in 3-dimension.

OPG and cone beam examinations can be performed without prior preparation. The radiographer may ask you to remove metal objects such as necklaces and earrings, as well as dentures as they could potentially interfere with the quality of your images.

During an OPG or cone beam examination, the rotating arm of the machine will rotate around your head and the image is captured on film or a sensor.

An OPG image can be generated in approximately 5 minutes.

A cone beam examination can be completed within approximately 15 minutes.

The only risk associated with these scans is the very small dose of radiation from the x-ray unit.

All OPG examinations are bulk billed* to Medicare (no out of pocket expense to the patient), providing all eligibility requirements have been met.

Cone beam examinations can attract an out of pocket fee ranging from $100 – $250, dependent on the complexity of the scan and whether your referring clinician is a dental generalist or specialist.
If you are a holder of a pension or health care card, cone beam examinations are bulk billed to Medicare if you are a referred by a dental specialist.

*OPG examinations may incur a fee at some clinics on weekends.

Images obtained from your scan are digitally recorded. At Qscan, a subspecialty trained Radiologist interprets the images obtained and provides a report for your doctor within 24 hours.

Reports and images will be available electronically via the Qscan MyResults Patient Access app and web portal 7 days after your report has been processed.  If required, films are available for collection or delivery to your referring practitioner.  You may need to make a follow up appointment to discuss the results with your referring practitioner.