Dental X-rays: OPG and CBCT

Dental x-rays are an important part of the treatment we provide at Oxford Dental They allow us to visualize the bones and other hidden structures within and surrounding the teeth and jaw that are otherwise undetectable by a visual examination and to provide our patients with the best possible treatment.

What is an OPG?

An orthopantomography (OPG) is a special type of x-ray image which shows the structures of the lower face, teeth and jaws all in the same view.

An OPG creates a panoramic image of the mouth as the X-ray tube and the sensor plate rotate around the patient’s head. The image shows the full length of all teeth, bones and jaw-joints.

It can be used to look for:

  • Cavities and decay
  • Periodontal disease and bone loss
  • Fractures
  • Un-erupted teeth
  • Impacted teeth

Why take an OPG?

It is helpful in showing the number and position of all teeth, including those that have not yet grown. It can also show problems with the jaw bone and the TMJ. OPGs are useful as a step in planning orthodontic treatments, implant surgery, wisdom teeth removal and root canal treatment .

What is a CBCT scan?

Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) is a medical imaging technique that produces a 3D image of the soft and hard tissues of the head and neck. Using our CBCT machine we can see structures in head with a level of detail that greater detail than with other types of conventional 2D dental x-rays.

Cone Beam scans are especially useful in:

  • Surgical planning for implant placement
  • Assessing the jaw, nerve canals, sinuses and nasal cavity
  • Accurately evaluating bone height and density
  • Detecting early periodontal (around the tooth) and periacipal (around the root) abscesses
  • Surgical planning for impacted teeth

What do we use CBCT scans for?

Cone beams are used in treatment planning, diagnosis and post-surgery evaluations.

What about the radiation?

The radiation from cone beams are significant – while an OPG is comparable to only 2 days worth of background radiation, a cone beam machine on the other hand emits radiation comparable to half a chest scan .