Dental OPG X-ray

Undiagnosed conditions can trigger complications and lead to additional disease if not treated. Early detection and treatment of these conditions can increase the chances of successful treatment and recovery.

Dental x-rays are quick, painless, and expose the patient to a minimal amount of low-level radiation, whilst providing invaluable information to Dentists, Orthodontists and alike.

Dental x-rays are the most effective and commonly used method for examining the jaw and teeth but a dental CT scan can also be an option.

There are no special requirements before a dental x-ray.

You should tell the radiographer if you are pregnant or if you think you may be pregnant as there is a small risk that the radiation from an x-ray can harm a fetus. You should also let the radiographer know if you will have difficulty standing for longer than a few minutes.

Your doctor or specialist may ask you to bring any previous x-ray images or scans you have, as they can be used for comparison.

You can wear your normal clothes, but you will need to remove any jewellery, eyewear or other metallic accessories or implants around your upper body as these will show up on x-rays and may obscure important structures.

Dental x-rays typically take less than 10 minutes to complete.

Before the x-ray, you will be asked to remove any jewellery or eyewear. You will then be taken to an x-ray room, where a technician will give you instructions and conduct the procedure. During OPG x-rays, you will be asked to stand or sit in front of the x-ray machine and rest your chin on a plastic rest. You will also need to bite down gently on a mouthpiece, to ensure your head remains still during the procedure. Part of the machine then rotates around your head as the images are being taken. The scan typically takes less than 30 seconds to complete.

There is no recovery time. Patients will be able to return to normal activities and work immediately after the procedure.