Our OPG service is available at North Shore Radiology, Lane Cove site.
An OPG is a panoramic or wide view X-ray of the lower face, which displays all the teeth of the upper and lower jaw on a single film. It demonstrates the number, position and growth of all the teeth, including those that have not yet surfaced. It is different from the small, close-up X-rays dentists take of individual teeth. An OPG may also reveal problems with the jawbone and the joint connecting the jawbone to the head, called the Temporomandibular joint or TMJ. An OPG may be requested to plan orthodontic treatment, assess wisdom teeth, or give a general overview of the teeth and the bone which supports the teeth.
A Lat Ceph is a lateral or side view X-ray of the face, demonstrating the bones and facial contours in profile on a single film. Lat Ceph X-rays are usually used to diagnose and treat orthodontic problems.
No preparation is required for dental X-ray procedures. Please bring any previous X-rays with you on the day of your examination.
The OPG and Lat Ceph usually only take a few minutes to complete, with the scans themselves taking 10-20 seconds.
A radiographer will collect you from our reception area and take you to the X-ray room.
OPG: You may be asked to remove jewellery, eyeglasses, and any metal objects that may obscure the images. You will be asked to stand with your face resting on a small shelf and bite gently on a sterile mouth piece to steady your head. It is important to stay very still while the X-ray is taken. You will not feel any discomfort during the procedure.
Lat Ceph: You may be asked to remove jewellery, eyeglasses, and any metal objects that may obscure the images. You will be asked to stand with your head against the machine so that it can be adjusted for your comfort. A pair of cone-shaped plastic supports are then gently positioned in each ear, rather like a pair of headphones.
Once the radiographer has completed the procedure, one of our qualified radiologists will review your X-ray images and prepare a comprehensive report for your referring GP or specialist.
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