orthopantomografie

Orthopantomography, often abbreviated as OPG or pantomogram, is a type of panoramic dental X-ray. It provides a broad, two-dimensional view of the entire mouth, including the teeth, jawbones, and temporomandibular joints. Unlike traditional dental X-rays that focus on a small area, an OPG captures a wide arc of the facial bones. This imaging technique is achieved by having the X-ray tube and film move around the patient's head in a semicircular motion. The patient typically rests their chin and forehead on designated supports during the scan.

Orthopantomograms are valuable diagnostic tools for dentists. They are commonly used to assess impacted teeth, such as wisdom teeth, detect jaw fractures, evaluate the extent of oral diseases like cysts or tumors, and plan for dental implant placement or orthodontic treatment. The comprehensive view offered by an OPG allows for a better understanding of the overall dental and skeletal structure. While it provides a wide overview, it is important to note that OPGs have limitations in detecting very fine details within individual teeth compared to periapical X-rays. The radiation dose for an OPG is generally considered low.