Orthopantomograms (Whole Mouth X-ray)

An OPG (orthopantomogram) is an X-ray that shows the whole mouth. It is very useful in showing the overview of the situation. Patients who present with erupting wisdom teeth would have an OPG, as would someone considering implants. It provides us with a general view of all of the teeth, the bones and other structures that can be in the periphery of the normal dental field. We do not take OPG’s every check-up visit but will judge each case on its merits. An OPG is much simpler and cheaper than trying to take an X-ray of every tooth, but sometimes a small radiograph of a single tooth is also needed as they are much clearer. Single radiographs are much better for seeing decay in between the teeth and under fillings.