April 6, 2020

Basics of Dental OPG & Its Applications

Over the last three decades, dentistry has seen enormous advancements in all of its branches. As a result of these advancements, more precise diagnostic techniques, particularly imaging approaches, have become necessary.

Advanced imaging techniques such as orthopantomography, cone beam computed tomography, and others have replaced simple intra-oral periapical X-rays in modern dentistry. The transition from analog to digital radiography has simplified and accelerated the procedure while also facilitating image storage, alteration (brightness/contrast, image cropping, etc.), and retrieval.

A few things to know about Dental OPG:

The orthopantomogram (also known as a pantomogram, OPG, or OPT) is a single-image panoramic radiograph of the mandible, maxilla, and teeth. From ear to ear, the Dental OPG reveals flattened 2D pictures covering hard structures. OPG captures several photos from various planes and stitches them together to create a single composite panoramic view.

Dr. Patero and Dr. Numato were the first to introduce the concept of OPG and extraoral film. The Focal Trough or Image layer is the foundation of OPG’s operation. It’s a three-dimensional virtual space in which the structures inside (mostly the Maxilla and Mandible) appear distinct and sharp, while the structures outside appear hazy.

The x-ray beam travels through different areas of the jaws as the tube head spins around the patient, providing several images that are absorbed and displayed as one continuous image on the film (“panoramic view”).

Advantages of OPG

Broader coverage of the patient’s face bones and teeth, including the TMJ
Low radiation exposure to the patient
Patient-friendly
Can be utilized in patients who have a hard time opening their mouths.
Requires less time to create the image
Beneficial for patient education and presentation of cases

Uses of OPG for

Fractures
Dislocated jaw
Infection
Dentition (teeth)
Surgical planning
Impacted wisdom teeth
Periodontal bone loss
Finding the source of dental pain
For assessment of dental implant placement
Orthodontic assessment

Genoray Papaya OPG:

Genoray Papaya OPG Machine has a hybrid blend of OPG, CEPH, and Cross-sectional characteristics. TMJ PA-Lateral Double View, Segmental OPG, 9 arch shapes, 3 scan modes (HD, Normal, Fast), smart ceph without lateral ceph arm, and cross-sectional imaging are the only features accessible in India (256 slices CUST feature). It is the only OPG on the market that can measure Bucco-palatal, buccolingual, and mesiodistal bone in a single quadrant for implant practice.

Conclusion

OPG has evolved into a valuable diagnostic tool for dentists.

If we look at the Indian market, there are a few good OPG machines, but Genoray Papaya is the market leader thanks to its unique features, high-quality images, and excellent customer service. Genoray OPG is now a trusted choice in India, with 400+ OPG installations.