Girl sitting in a dentist chair with a dental x-ray

Dental

Experience superior dental care with Apex Radiology’s cutting-edge OPG (Orthopantomogram) and Lat Ceph imaging. Furthermore, these specialized techniques provide comprehensive insights into the lower face, teeth, and jaw. Additionally, by assessing tooth and jaw position, these advanced imaging methods play a pivotal role in orthodontic treatment planning, periodontal disease diagnosis, extraction procedures, and identification of sinusitis or other facial sinus problems. Don’t miss out on our expert imaging services – schedule your appointment today.

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  • WHAT IS DENTAL IMAGING

    OPG (Orthopantomogram) and Lat Ceph are special types of imaging of the lower face, teeth and jaw. This type of imaging is used to assess position and growth of the teeth and jaw, and is useful in planning orthodontic treatment, periodontal disease, extraction and sinusitis or other facial sinus problems.

    An OPG examines existing or potential dental disease, such as:

    • Dental caries
    • Advanced periodontal disease such as inflammation or abscess
    • Oral cysts
    • Bony tumours
    • Impacted teeth
    • Sinusitis and other facial sinus problems
    • Temporo-mandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, and
    • Assessment prior to wisdom teeth extraction.

  • BEFORE DENTAL IMAGING

    No specific preparation is required for dental imaging. Please be sure to have a current referral from your doctor, and bring any relevant films or reports to assist our radiologists in making the most accurate diagnosis. You may be asked to remove any jewellery or metal items from your head and neck area including hair accessories, dentures and plates.

  • DURING DENTAL IMAGING

    A radiographer will sit you in the centre of the OPG machine and then carefully position and secure your head. The machine is adjusted for your height and a bite-block is placed between your teeth to ensure correct alignment.

    You will need to keep very still during the imaging process, while the rotating arm moves in a semicircle around you, which usually takes around 20 seconds. An OPG x-ray requires no special preparation and you can return to normal activities straight after your test.

  • AFTER DENTAL IMAGING

    Dental imaging requires no special post treatment care and the patient can return to normal activities straight after the test, as there are no after effects. One of our radiologists will interpret the scan and provide your referring doctor with a comprehensive report about the findings. The results of your scan will be sent directly to your referring doctor, and it is very important you book a timely follow-up appointment to discuss your results.

  • PATIENT SAFETY

    Dental scans involve a very small dose of radiation, which makes this test unsuitable for women who are, or might be pregnant. The benefits of dental scans out outweigh the potential risks involved.

Find out more about the services we offer in this area

Please note; not all services are listed below, and not all services are available at every site

OPG is an X-ray that is useful to determine teeth positioning and growth, and to assess teeth that may not have surfaced yet, such as wisdom teeth.

You may be asked to remove jewellery, eyeglasses, and any metal objects that may obscure the images. You will be asked to stand with your face resting on a small shelf and to bite gently on a sterile mouth piece to steady your head. It is important to stay very still while the x-ray is taken to avoid blurred images. You will not feel any discomfort during the procedure.

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