Panoramic X-ray of teeth

OPTG or orthopantomogram is a panoramic X-ray of both jaws, allowing a dentist or ENT to study in detail the structure of the dentition, the roots of the teeth, their canals, nasal bones, maxillary sinuses, both temporomandibular joints. The final image looks like a photo with a wide viewing angle, so all the listed structures are visible on it, despite the level of their location.

Doctors of the Polyclinic.ae clinic prescribe an examination when required:

• diagnosis of multiple caries, periodontitis, periostitis;
• assessment of the state of bone tissue, temporomandibular joints;
• examination of the location of the rudiments of the molars in order to identify their presence or absence;
• measurement of the amount of bone tissue and the height of the alveolar processes (for implantation);
• tooth locations;
• determination of the severity of injury, damage;
• before installing braces and other orthodontic structures;
• study of the position of the third;
• detection of ENT pathology of the maxillary sinuses and nasal passages (chronic sinusitis, sinusitis).

What diseases can be diagnosed with OPTG?

In the picture, the doctor can diagnose the following disorders:

• caries (single and multiple);
• destruction of fillings, damage to orthodontic structures;
• malocclusion;
• osteoarthritis, arthritis of the temporomandibular joint;
• absence of the rudiment of the molar tooth;
• mechanical damage to bones and teeth;
• neoplasms (malignant and benign);
• cysts, granulomas;
• inflammatory processes in the bone
• pathology of the maxillary sinuses.

And also with the help of OPTG, the doctor has the opportunity to monitor the effectiveness of the treatment, monitor the healing process of the bone around the implanted tooth, evaluate the quality of the filling.

How is the procedure performed in the Polyclinic.ae

Orthopantomogram is a fast and non-invasive examination that takes the patient less than a minute to obtain a complete panoramic image. Special preparation for it is not required, the examination can be carried out at any time. Immediately before the snapshot, the patient will be required to:

• remove all metal jewelry from the face and neck (chains, piercings, earrings);
• wear a protective lead apron that reduces the impact of X-rays on the area under study;
• stand inside the orthopantomograph;
• squeeze a special plastic stand with teeth, close lips;
• take hold of the handles of the device with hands, and press the chest against a special plate;
• throughout the procedure, do not move and try not to swallow saliva;
• the device will make several revolutions around the patient's head, producing the required number of images;
• after 5-10 minutes, the patient can take a picture and its description with a transcript and, if possible, a preliminary cause of the development of the disorder.

Difference from CT

Both of these studies can be assigned to study the dentition, jaws and joints, but they have significant differences:

• OPTG is a flat two-dimensional image aimed mainly at studying the state of bone tissue. The radiation load during it is 20-30 microsieverts, so it can also be carried out for children;
• CT is a three-dimensional 3D image that can be rotated and viewed in layers, obtaining detailed information not only about the bone tissue, but also the soft structures of the face. The radiation load during it is approximately of 60-70 microsieverts, so it is not recommended during pregnancy and for children under 14 years.