A small mirror can be used to visually inspect the surface of your teeth as well as what lies behind them. However, it cannot be used to take a look at what lies below the surface of the teeth or gumline. Here is where a dental OPG proves useful.
When it comes to detecting tumours, infections and irregular teeth, OPGs have become one of the most invaluable tools available to dental practitioners. Traditionally, dentists would use a small flexible tool, designed to be placed in the mouth, to take x-rays of a specific tooth causing problems. And, while this tool is still used today, it does not provide the comprehensive/panoramic view of the mouth, jaws and teeth like an OPG does.
Read on below to find out more about:
- What Is OPG?
- What OPG Can be used to Detect?
- The Benefits Of OPG
What Is OPG?
For starters, the letters OPG stand for Orthopantomogram. This term refers to an advanced technology that is designed to capture x-ray images of the lower part of the face – which covers the area from the nose to the chin and the right ear to the left ear. As such, this technology shows a wider view of the oral cavity, than is possible with the more focused traditional imaging tool used to inspect a specific tooth or very small part of the mouth. OPG normally captures a two-dimensional image of the three-dimensional area covered.
OPGs capture among others the gum, upper and lower jaws, any bones, all teeth (including those that are yet to erupt) and the temporomandibular joint.
To ensure that the image focuses on the jawbone, teeth and internal sinuses of the covered area, the technology blurs out other surrounding tissue, such as the skull. This makes an OPG even more effective at highlighting oral tissue and features.
Due to the way that OPG works, dental practitioners are able to detect a variety of issues that would otherwise be missed by standard surgical procedures or x-rays of the oral cavity.
Last but not least, this simple and straightforward procedure only takes a few minutes, with the image capturing process taking no more than 20 seconds!
What Can OPG Detect?
Now that you have a clear idea of what OPG is, here is a comprehensive list of some of the dental health issues it can be used to detect/diagnose.
- Gum Disease
- Dental Implant Planning
- Jaw Issues such as Dislocation
- Irregular Teeth
- Abnormal Teeth Development
- Oral Infections and Abscesses
- Hidden Cavities and Decay
- Wisdom Teeth Development and Impacted Teeth
- Oral Fractures
- Cysts, Tumours and other related Issues
Advantages Of OPG
OPG is a groundbreaking technology that comes with a few important benefits.
For starters, this technology provides dental health specialists with a broader visual impression of the oral cavity by capturing the jawbone, teeth and temporomandibular joint.
Since the technology does not require the use of a tool that goes inside the patient’s mouth, OPG is a great option for those who are unable to open their mouth wide.
As previously mentioned, the process of capturing a panoramic image of a patient’s oral cavity is quick and effortless – taking anywhere between 5 and 20 minutes. In fact, it only takes a few seconds for the images to be captured, with most of the remaining time being used to prepare the patient for the procedure.
Conclusion
One of the best ways of providing exceptional dental healthcare services is by focusing on preventive care. To do this, dentists need to have a broader view of the whole mouth and not just one tooth or a specific area. OPG helps dentists provide better preventive care to their patients by making it easier for them to detect and diagnose hidden problems that would otherwise go unnoticed until it is too late.
If you are searching for the best dental OPG supplier in Australia, then look no further than Dental Equipment Services. We offer the best dental equipment in Australia for your dental practice.
For all your dental supply requirements, please call us today on 1300 144 975 or leave an enquiry.