OPG x-ray
An OPG (orthopantomogram) is a panoramic x-ray screening of your upper and lower jaw. They can be a useful diagnostic tool for dentists and orthodontists, used to check for impacted wisdom teeth, checking the development of teeth in children, and general screening as part of your dental check-up. OPG x-rays show the number, position and growth of your teeth, and can be useful when assessing teeth that have not surfaced yet.
Lateral cephalogram (Lat Ceph) and posteroanterior cephalogram (PA Ceph) examinations are x-rays of the side of your face, which are used to evaluate facial bones and occlusion. They are particularly useful for planning orthodontic treatment.
A Qscan Radiology radiographer will conduct your OPG or Lat/PA Ceph x-ray.
For an OPG x-ray, they will ask you to stand in the machine and bite gently on a covered mouthpiece, as the OPG x-ray machine rotates once around your head.
For a Lat or PA Ceph x-ray, you will remain standing while the machine obtains the required image from the side or back.
You will need to remain still for the duration of these scans.
A Qscan radiographer will conduct your Lateral PA Ceph x-ray.
The technician uses the same machine for an OPG and a Lateral PA Ceph x-ray. However, you will stand for a Lateral or PA Ceph x-ray. The machine will take the image from the side or back of your head.
You will need to remain still for the duration of these scans.
These dental imaging scans do not require any specific preparation. Before your x-ray, please remove your hearing aids, dental plates, and any metal or jewellery from your head and neck.
Please arrive 15 minutes before your appointment with your Medicare card and/or concession card, your referral, and any previous scans. If you have a child aged 6 or under, they must be supervised by an adult other than the patient.
If you have a child, an adult other than the patient must supervise them. Children are not allowed in the examination room, and there is no supervision in the waiting area. Our staff need to maintain full focus during your examination to ensure the best possible care.
A OPG x-ray generally does not require any specific after care. After your x-ray, you may continue with your normal daily activities, unless advised otherwise by your referring practitioner.
The cost of OPG x-rays depends on several factors, including the type of scan someone requests. Our friendly customer service team can help you with the costs. This includes any out-of-pocket expenses.
The amount of radiation used for an OPG x-ray is very small. Health experts feel the risk to your health from this is very small and the benefits of the diagnostic information obtained usually outweigh any potential risks. No radiation remains in your body after the x-ray.
If you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant, please let your doctor and our staff know, as x-rays can potentially harm an unborn baby.
