Orthopantomography (OPTG) refers to x-ray imaging used to capture all your teeth and the entire jaw area at the same time. This is also known as panoramic tomography. OPTG makes it possible to extensively examine the overall health of the mouth and jaw. A single image can offer useful information on the structure of the upper and lower jaw, the jaw joints and the sinuses, for example. Orthopantomography is used at the dentist’s appointment to examine the overall dental situation. This provides a general idea of the customer’s past dental care. It is also a helpful tool for the initial stages of planning the customer’s dental care, for example before tooth extraction or implant treatment.
However, the downside is that any problems affecting individual teeth can be difficult to identify. If an infection or other issues are picked up on the panoramic x-ray, it will usually be followed up with a Bite-Wing or periapical x-ray. Orthopantomography does not require special preparations but does require a dentist’s referral.
