What is an OPG?

This is a special method for obtaining radiographs of the teeth- bearing jaws, both upper and lower. A specially constructed machine rotates around the jaw-bones, thus giving us an extremely good idea about the structure of the jaw-bones and are useful in a wide-variety of conditions including infections, tumors, congenital abnormalities, pre-implant evaluation and trauma. Cephalogram is an x-ray of the face, obtained so that accurate measurements of the face can be performed.

An OPG can be used to look for

• Fractures
• Dislocated jaw
• Infection
• Dentition (teeth)

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 : 

• 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.

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.