OPG X-Ray: What It Is and Why Your Dentist Takes One

If your dentist has mentioned an OPG x ray and you are not quite sure what that means, you are not alone. It is one of those dental terms that gets used a lot but rarely explained. At Two Rocks Dental Care, we take OPG x rays on site, so let's walk through what one actually is, why we might suggest one for you, and what the appointment looks like.

What is an OPG x ray?

OPG stands for orthopantomogram, which is a mouthful, so most people just say OPG. It is a single x ray that captures your whole mouth in one wide image, rather than a close-up of one or two teeth.

Think of it as a wide-angle photo of your jaw. One picture shows your upper and lower teeth, both jaws, and the bone around them, all at once. A standard dental x ray, by comparison, zooms in on a small area, usually one tooth or a few teeth next to each other.

This is the main part of the opg x ray meaning that trips people up. It is not a replacement for the small bitewing x rays used to check for decay between teeth. It does a different job. It gives a broad view, while the small x rays give close detail.

What does an OPG dental x ray actually show?

An opg dental x ray gives us a good look at structures that are hard to see with the naked eye or with smaller x rays. This includes:

• The position and angle of your wisdom teeth, including any still under the gum
• The bone levels around your teeth, which helps with checking gum health
• The roots of your teeth and whether any look unusual
• Any cysts, extra teeth, or missing teeth
• The jaw joints and sinus areas near the upper back teeth

In kids, an OPG can also show adult teeth still developing under the baby teeth. That is useful information for tracking how a child's mouth is growing.

When does a dentist take an OPG x ray?

Checking wisdom teeth

This is one of the most common reasons we take an OPG. It lets us see exactly how your wisdom teeth are sitting, which way they are angled, and how close they are to nearby nerves and teeth. That information matters when we are talking through how we remove wisdom teeth here in the chair when that is a suitable option for you, or whether a referral to an oral surgeon makes more sense.

Planning for dentures or implants

Before fitting dentures or planning an implant, we need to see the bone underneath. An OPG gives us that overview before any further planning happens.

Gum disease checks

If we notice signs of bone loss around your teeth during a check-up, an OPG helps us see how far it extends and which areas need attention.

New patient assessments

When you join us as a new patient, an OPG often forms part of getting a full picture of your mouth, especially if you have not had one taken recently elsewhere. You can read more about what to expect as a new patient at our practice before your first visit.

Investigating pain or swelling

If you come in with jaw pain, a sore tooth with an unclear cause, or swelling, an OPG can help us work out what is going on before we recommend treatment.

What happens during the x ray?

The process itself is straightforward and does not take long. You will be asked to remove anything metal around your head and neck, like earrings, glasses, or a necklace.

You then stand or sit with your chin resting on a small support, and bite gently on a piece that helps keep your head steady. The machine rotates slowly around your head while it takes the image. You just need to stay still and follow any instructions from our team.

There is no injection and nothing goes inside your mouth apart from the small bite piece. Most people find it a simple, quick part of the visit.

Is an OPG x ray safe?

Dental x rays use a low dose of radiation, and an OPG is no exception. Modern digital equipment keeps the dose as low as reasonably possible while still giving a clear image.

If you are pregnant, or think you might be, let our team know before any x ray is taken, and we will talk through the best approach with you. We always explain why an x ray is being suggested and what it is expected to show, so you can ask questions before you agree to go ahead.

Where do you get an OPG x ray, and what about the cost?

One advantage of visiting a dental practice that has its own OPG machine is that you do not need a separate referral and a trip to a radiology clinic. At Two Rocks Dental Care, the x-rays we offer include an OPG taken right here on site, so it can usually happen on the same day as your appointment.

On the opg x ray cost, this depends on things like why the x ray is needed and what else is happening at your visit. Rather than quote a figure that may be out of date, our team gives you a written quote with the item numbers before any treatment, so you can check it against your health fund if you have one. We are a preferred provider for HBF, HCF and nib, which generally means a smaller out-of-pocket gap, though it is never free, and we can process your claim on the spot with HICAPS.

Frequently asked questions

How long does an OPG x ray take?

The scan itself only takes a matter of seconds. Including getting positioned and settled, the whole process is usually done within a few minutes.

Does an OPG x ray hurt?

No part of the machine touches your teeth or gums, and nothing goes inside your mouth apart from a small bite piece to help keep you steady. Most people find it a simple part of the appointment.

How often do I need an OPG?

There is no set rule that applies to everyone. It depends on your age, your dental history, and what we are monitoring. Our team will let you know if and when another one makes sense for you.

Can children have an OPG x ray?

Yes, OPGs are commonly used for children, particularly to check how their adult teeth are developing under the gum. We will only suggest one if it is genuinely useful for your child's care.

Is an OPG the same as the small x rays taken at a check-up?

No. The small x rays, often called bitewings, zoom in on a couple of teeth to check for decay between them. An OPG is a wider image of the whole jaw, used for a broader look rather than fine detail on individual teeth.

Getting your OPG x ray at Two Rocks Dental Care

Whether you need an OPG to check your wisdom teeth, plan a denture, or simply get a clear picture of your overall dental health, our team is here to talk you through it without any jargon. We explain what we are looking for and why, so you understand each step before we go ahead.

Being local to Two Rocks means you and your family do not need to drive down to Joondalup for everyday dental care, including x rays. We see patients from Two Rocks, Yanchep, and right along Perth's northern coast, inside the Jupiter Health Two Rocks Medical Centre at 6 Constellation Entrance, with its own dental entrance and on-site parking.

If you think an OPG x ray might be useful for you, or you simply have questions about what it involves, call Two Rocks Dental Care on (08) 9502 9040 or choose a time online that suits you. Our team is happy to talk you through the next steps.