OrthopantomografieGeräte

Orthopantomography, often referred to as an OPG or a panoramic X-ray, is a two-dimensional radiographic imaging technique used in dentistry and maxillofacial surgery. It produces a broad, flattened view of the entire mouth, including the teeth, jawbones, temporomandibular joints, and surrounding structures, in a single image. This technique uses a specialized X-ray machine that rotates around the patient's head, capturing images from different angles. The beam of X-rays passes through the patient and is captured by a sensor on the opposite side. The machine's movement and the sensor's position are synchronized to create a panoramic representation.

The primary advantage of an OPG is its ability to provide a comprehensive overview of the oral and maxillofacial region, making it valuable for initial assessments and diagnoses. It is commonly used to: detect impacted wisdom teeth, identify cysts and tumors, evaluate jaw fractures, assess the development of teeth, diagnose periodontal disease, and plan for dental implants or orthodontic treatment. While it offers a wide field of view, it does not provide the same level of detail as intraoral X-rays or cross-sectional imaging like a CT scan. Therefore, it is often used as a supplementary diagnostic tool rather than a replacement for other imaging methods. The radiation dose associated with an OPG is generally considered to be low.