• Bitewing X-Rays: These x-rays are used to detect cavities between teeth and assess the height of the bone supporting the teeth. Bitewing x-rays capture the upper and lower teeth in a specific area of the mouth, typically showing the crowns of the teeth.

• Periapical X-Rays: These x-rays focus on a specific tooth from the crown to the root and the surrounding bone structure. They are used to detect issues below the gum line, such as abscesses, cysts, or impacted teeth.

• Panoramic X-Rays (OPG): Panoramic x-rays provide a broad view of the entire mouth, including all the teeth, the upper and lower jaws, and surrounding structures. This type of x-ray is essential for evaluating overall dental and skeletal health, diagnosing impacted teeth, and planning orthodontic treatments.

• Occlusal X-Rays: Occlusal x-rays show full tooth development and placement in the jaw. They are useful for detecting teeth that have not yet erupted, jaw fractures, and other developmental anomalies.

• Cephalometric X-Rays: These x-rays capture the side view of the face, showing the teeth, jaw, and skull in profile. They are commonly used in orthodontics to plan treatments and assess the relationship between teeth and jaw structure.

• Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT): CBCT provides a 3D image of the teeth, soft tissues, nerve pathways, and bone. It is used for detailed diagnosis and treatment planning, especially in complex cases such as implant placement and evaluation of jaw disorders.

• Full Mouth Series (FMX): A full mouth series consists of multiple periapical and bitewing x-rays to give a comprehensive view of all the teeth and surrounding structures. It is often performed for new patients or those with extensive dental issues.

• Panoramic Imaging: The dental x-ray OPG uses panoramic imaging to capture a wide, comprehensive view of the entire mouth in a single image. This involves the rotation of the x-ray source and detector around the patient’s head, allowing for the visualisation of the upper and lower jaws, teeth, and surrounding structures.

• Tomography: OPG employs a technique called tomography, where multiple x-ray images taken from different angles are combined to produce a single, detailed panoramic image. This allows for the visualisation of specific layers of the mouth, reducing the overlap of structures and providing a clearer image.

• Digital Radiography: Modern OPG machines utilise digital radiography, which converts x-ray images into digital data. This technique enhances image quality, allows for easy storage and retrieval of images, and reduces radiation exposure compared to traditional film-based x-rays.

• Low-Dose Radiation: The technique involves the use of low-dose radiation to ensure patient safety while still providing high-quality diagnostic images. Advanced technology and precise control over the x-ray beam minimise radiation exposure.

• Patient Positioning: Correct positioning of the patient is crucial for obtaining accurate OPG images. The patient’s head is stabilised using chin and head rests, and the teeth are aligned using a small plastic bite piece. This ensures that the images are clear and free from motion artefacts.

• Rotational Mechanism: The OPG machine features a rotating arm that moves the x-ray source and detector around the patient’s head in a semicircular motion. This rotational mechanism is key to capturing the panoramic view of the mouth.

• Real-Time Image Processing: The images captured during the OPG scan are processed in real-time by the machine’s software. This immediate processing allows for quick review and assessment by the dentist, facilitating prompt diagnosis and treatment planning.

• High-Resolution Imaging: The OPG technique provides high-resolution images that clearly show the teeth, jawbones, and surrounding structures. This level of detail is essential for accurate diagnosis and treatment.

• Impacted Teeth: OPGs are crucial in identifying teeth that have not erupted properly, such as wisdom teeth, which can cause pain, infection, or misalignment of other teeth.

• Tooth Decay & Cavities: Dental x-ray OPGs help in detecting cavities and tooth decay that are not visible during a routine oral examination, allowing for early intervention and treatment.

• Jawbone Health: The OPG provides detailed images of the jawbone, helping to diagnose conditions like jaw fractures, bone infections, and other structural abnormalities.

• Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorders: It assists in identifying issues related to the TMJ, such as dislocations, arthritis, and other joint disorders that can cause pain and dysfunction.

• Cysts & Tumours: OPGs can detect the presence of cysts, benign and malignant tumours, and other pathological conditions in the jaw and surrounding tissues.

• Periodontal Disease: The x-ray reveals the condition of the bone supporting the teeth, helping to diagnose periodontal (gum) diseases, which can lead to tooth loss if untreated.

• Developmental Anomalies: It identifies developmental issues in children and adolescents, such as abnormal tooth development, missing teeth, and misalignment, ensuring timely intervention.

• Sinus Problems: The OPG shows the maxillary sinuses, helping to identify sinus infections or issues that may be affecting dental health.

• Orthodontic Planning: It provides essential information for planning orthodontic treatments, showing the alignment of teeth and the relationship between the jaws and teeth.

• Dental Implants & Surgery Planning: OPGs are used to evaluate bone density and structure, aiding in the planning of dental implants and other surgical procedures by providing detailed anatomical information.

• Individuals With Impacted Teeth: Patients experiencing discomfort from impacted teeth, such as wisdom teeth, should get tested with a dental x-ray OPG to assess their position and plan for extraction or treatment.

• Patients With Jaw Pain/TMJ Disorders: Those suffering from jaw pain, clicking, or other temporomandibular joint (TMJ) symptoms can benefit from an OPG to diagnose the underlying issues and guide treatment options.

• Children & Adolescents With Orthodontic Needs: Young individuals should have an OPG to monitor the development of their teeth and jaws, identify developmental anomalies, and plan orthodontic interventions.

• Patients With Periodontal Disease: Individuals diagnosed with or suspected of having gum disease should get an OPG to evaluate the extent of bone loss around the teeth and plan appropriate periodontal treatments.

• Individuals With Oral Pathologies: Patients with known or suspected oral pathologies, such as cysts or tumours, should undergo an OPG to accurately diagnose these conditions and plan medical interventions.

• Individuals Undergoing Orthodontic Treatment: Those undergoing orthodontic treatment, or planning to, will need an OPG to assess teeth alignment, jaw structure, and dental health to effectively plan their treatment.

• Individuals With Sinus Problems: Patients experiencing dental-related sinus issues or infections can benefit from an OPG to assess the maxillary sinuses and related structures for any abnormalities.

• Patients With A History Of Dental Trauma: Individuals with previous dental injuries should get an OPG to evaluate the extent of any residual damage and plan for necessary restorative treatments.

• Patients Undergoing Pre-Surgical Evaluation: Those scheduled for dental implants, extractions, or other oral surgeries should undergo an OPG to provide detailed anatomical information for precise surgical planning.

• Individuals Undergoing Routine Dental Check-Ups: Regular dental check-up patients may be advised to get an OPG to provide a comprehensive view of their oral health, ensuring hidden issues are detected and treated.

• Positioning: The patient is positioned standing or sitting in front of the OPG machine. Chin and head rests are adjusted to ensure the head remains still and in the correct position during the scan.

• Bite Wing Placement: The patient is instructed to bite down on a small plastic bite wing to stabilise the teeth and ensure they are properly aligned during the procedure.

• X-Ray Machine Adjustment: The OPG machine is calibrated and adjusted to the appropriate settings based on the patient’s age, size, and specific diagnostic requirements.

• Imaging Process: The x-ray arm rotates around the patient’s head in a semi-circular motion, capturing images from different angles. The machine emits x-rays using a digital sensor, producing panoramic mouth images.

• Image Review: Once the scan is complete, the panoramic image is processed digitally and displayed on a computer monitor for review by the dentist.

• Radiation Safety: All necessary precautions are taken to minimise radiation exposure during the procedure, ensuring patient safety throughout.

NORMAL TEST RESULTS

• Teeth Alignment & Structure: Normal results show well-aligned teeth without any signs of crowding, overlapping, or spacing issues. The structure of each tooth appears intact, without any fractures or anomalies.

• Jawbone Health: A healthy jawbone appears dense, with no signs of fractures, cysts, tumours, or bone loss. The upper (maxilla) and lower (mandible) jawbones should be symmetrical and show no abnormalities.

• Periodontal Health: Normal results indicate that the bone level around each tooth is within normal limits, without signs of periodontal disease or bone loss. The gums should be well-attached to the teeth (3mm is a healthy depth).

• Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ): The TMJ area should show normal, symmetrical joint structures with no signs of dislocation, arthritis, or other abnormalities. The joints should appear smooth and properly aligned.

• Sinuses: Normal maxillary sinuses appear clear and free of any infections, blockages, or abnormalities. There should be no signs of sinusitis or other sinus-related issues.

• Root And Pulp Health: The roots of the teeth should appear normal in length and shape, with no signs of infection, abscess, or other issues. The pulp chambers should be intact and free of decay or damage.

• Developmental Anomalies: Normal results show that the development of teeth and jaw structures is within the expected range for the patient’s age, with no unerupted teeth, delayed eruption, or other anomalies.

• Pathological Findings: There should be no signs of cysts, tumours, or other pathological conditions. The jaw and surrounding structures should appear free of any abnormal growths or disruptions.

• Overall Oral Health: Normal results indicate a healthy mouth with no significant issues requiring immediate attention. Regular dental check-ups should continue to maintain this level of oral health.

• Teeth Alignment & Structure: Normal results show well-aligned teeth without any signs of crowding, overlapping, or spacing issues. The structure of each tooth appears intact, without any fractures or anomalies.

• Jawbone Health: A healthy jawbone appears dense, with no signs of fractures, cysts, tumours, or bone loss. The upper (maxilla) and lower (mandible) jawbones should be symmetrical and show no abnormalities.

• Periodontal Health: Normal results indicate that the bone level around each tooth is within normal limits, without signs of periodontal disease or bone loss. The gums should be well-attached to the teeth (3mm is a healthy depth).

• Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ): The TMJ area should show normal, symmetrical joint structures with no signs of dislocation, arthritis, or other abnormalities. The joints should appear smooth and properly aligned.

• Sinuses: Normal maxillary sinuses appear clear and free of any infections, blockages, or abnormalities. There should be no signs of sinusitis or other sinus-related issues.

• Root And Pulp Health: The roots of the teeth should appear normal in length and shape, with no signs of infection, abscess, or other issues. The pulp chambers should be intact and free of decay or damage.

• Developmental Anomalies: Normal results show that the development of teeth and jaw structures is within the expected range for the patient’s age, with no unerupted teeth, delayed eruption, or other anomalies.

• Pathological Findings: There should be no signs of cysts, tumours, or other pathological conditions. The jaw and surrounding structures should appear free of any abnormal growths or disruptions.

• Overall Oral Health: Normal results indicate a healthy mouth with no significant issues requiring immediate attention. Regular dental check-ups should continue to maintain this level of oral health.

• Radiation Exposure: The primary risk associated with dental x-ray OPG is exposure to ionising radiation, which may pose a small risk of tissue damage, particularly with repeated exposure over time.

• Pregnancy Concerns: Pregnant individuals should avoid unnecessary x-ray exposure, as radiation may potentially harm the developing fetus. However, if x-rays are essential for diagnosis or treatment, appropriate shielding techniques can minimise foetal exposure.

• Allergic Reactions: Some patients may experience allergic reactions to the materials used in x-ray procedures, such as latex or certain types of film or sensor coatings.

• Discomfort/Gagging: Patients undergoing OPG imaging may experience discomfort or gagging sensations due to the position of the equipment and bite wing placement during the procedure.

• Potential For Equipment Malfunction: Equipment malfunction or errors in calibration may result in suboptimal imaging quality or inaccurate diagnostic information.

• Risk Of Infection: Improper sterilisation of equipment or failure to follow infection control protocols may pose a risk of cross-contamination or transmission of infectious agents.

• Injury From Equipment Movement: Patients should remain still during x-ray imaging to prevent blurring of images or injury from moving parts of the equipment.

• Adverse Reactions To Contrast Agents: In some cases, contrast agents may be used to enhance imaging quality. Patients with allergies or sensitivities to contrast agents should inform their healthcare provider.

• Maintain Good Oral Hygiene: Brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss daily to remove plaque and food particles, preventing tooth decay and gum disease.

• Visit Your Dentist Regularly: Schedule routine dental check-ups and cleanings every six months or as recommended by your dentist to detect and treat oral health issues early.

• Limit Sugary & Acidic Foods: Reduce your consumption of sugary snacks and beverages, as well as acidic foods and drinks, to prevent tooth decay and enamel erosion.

• Drink Water: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to rinse away food particles and bacteria, maintain saliva production, and prevent dry mouth, which can increase the risk of cavities.

• Quit Smoking & Tobacco Use: Avoid smoking and chewing tobacco, as they can stain teeth, cause gum disease, and increase the risk of oral cancer and other dental problems.

• Use Mouth Protection: Wear a mouthguard during sports activities and a nightguard if you grind your teeth while sleeping to prevent dental injuries and tooth wear.

• Practice Safe Oral Habits: Avoid biting hard objects like ice or pens, as this can chip or fracture teeth. Also, refrain from using teeth as tools to open bottles or packages.

• Eat A Balanced Diet: Consume a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains to provide essential nutrients for healthy teeth and gums.

• Use Fluoride Products: Use fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash to strengthen tooth enamel, prevent cavities, and protect against tooth decay.

• Consider Dental Sealants: Ask your dentist about dental sealants, which are thin protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of molars to prevent decay in the grooves and fissures.