What is an Orthopantomogram?
At Whittlesea Medical Imaging, we provide lead gowns for patients undergoing all x-ray tests. An Orthopantomogram, or OPG, is a special type of x-ray looking at the lower face that displays both the upper and lower teeth in a long flat line. It demonstrates the number, position and growth of all your teeth including those that have not yet surfaced.

Reasons for OPG may include:
Find problems in the mouth such as tooth decay, damage to the bones supporting the teeth, and dental injuries (such as broken tooth roots). Dental X-rays are often done to find these problems early, before any symptoms are presen.

- Find teeth that are not in the right place or do not break through the gum properly. Teeth that are too crowded to break through the gums are called impacted.

- Find cysts, solid growths (tumors), or abscesses.

- Check for the location of permanent teeth growing in the jaw in children who still have their primary (or baby) teeth.

- Plan treatment for large or extensive cavities, root canal surgery, placement of dental implants, and difficult tooth removals.

- Plan treatment of teeth that are not lined up straight (orthodontic treatment).

What is Lateral Cephalometry
Lateral Cephalometry is an X-ray taken of the side of your face with very precise positioning so that various measurements can be made to determine the current and future relationship of your mandible (jaw) to your maxilla (cheek bone) and therefore the nature of your bite. This helps to plan any orthodontic treatment if it is necessary