OPG provides a wide view x-ray of your jaws and all your teeth. This gives your dentist or orthodontist a clear indication of the positions of all your teeth and their growth. It includes teeth that have yet to erupt or surface. Additionally, the OPG can reveal issues with the jawbone and temporomandibular joint.
Your doctor has requested an OPG. Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions.
What is an OPG?
An OPG is an image that shows both your upper and lower teeth in a front on view. This image shows the teeth that have not yet surfaced, growth rate, position and number of teeth in your mouth.
What is a Lat Ceph?
A Lat Ceph is an image which shows the entire side profile of your head. The image is used to obtain various measurements of your jaw and cheek bone and also to identify the nature of your bite.
Orthodontists generally use Lat Ceph’s to determine the most appropriate treatment in regards to overbite and alignment for braces and plates.
Why you may need an OPG or Lat Ceph?
An x ray may be requested for any of the following reasons:
• To identify tooth decay between teeth or under fillings.
• To identify wisdom teeth.
• To identify bone loss.
• To identify dental injuries.
• To identify abnormalities or impacted teeth.
• To plan Orthodontic alignment.
• To plan treatment needed for surgery such as root canal, difficult tooth removals and dental implants.
How are the procedures performed?
procedure you will need to stand with your chin resting on the chin rest, this helps to keep your head stable for accurate pictures. You will gently bite down on a sterile mouth piece, this keeps your teeth separated. Once you are positioned the machine will rotate. It will not come into contact with your body but it is important to remain still throughout the exam.
A Lat Ceph uses the same machine. You will be asked to stand straight and bite down on your back teeth. An ear clamp will be gently placed on your ears. The picture is then taken.
How to prepare for your examination
You will be requested to remove anything that surrounds your head that is metallic including earrings, clips or tongue piercing (if possible). The examination should take around 10 minutes to complete.
How do I make an appointment?
You will need a written referral from your dentist or doctor. Contact or call our office to make an appointment.
How do I get the results?
A copy of your results will be sent to your dentist or doctor within 24 hours. An appointment will need to be made by you with your dentist or doctor to receive your results.
This examination uses X-rays therefore you will need to inform the radiographer performing the exam if you are pregnant or there is a possibility that you may be pregnant.
