Dental X-Ray

(Orthopantomogram)

An OPG, is a special type of x-ray that looks at the lower face, teeth, jaw, temporomandibular joints and maxillary sinuses. The teeth are displayed in a long flat line.

This x-ray is useful to demonstrate the number of teeth as well as their position and growth, and is particularly useful to assess teeth that have not yet surfaced.

A Lateral Cephalogram (or Lat Ceph) 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 top and bottom jaw (maxilla and mandible) and therefore assess the nature of your bite. This is particularly useful to plan any orthodontic treatment that may be necessary. As your treatment progresses, it is helpful to have any additional Lat Cephs taken at the same practice so that the  x-rays can easily be compared.

Preparation?

There is no special preparation required and there are no aftereffects following your dental X-ray. You will be asked to remove any jewellery or metallic items from the head and neck region, including any piercings, hair accessories, dentures and plates, as these often interfere with x-ray image formation and produce unwanted artefacts.

Procedure

During the OPG the arm of the machine will rotate slowly around your head but will not come into contact with you. The Radiographer (a technologist trained in medical and dental imaging) will instruct you to bite on a small plastic mouthpiece attached to the machine, which keeps the top and bottom teeth separated and helps position you properly in the machine.

For a Lateral Cephalogram you are required to hold still and bite together on your back teeth. Your lips should be relaxed. The Radiographer will help ensure that you are in the correct position before taking the x-ray.

Who does the Xray report?

Our Radiologist is a Medical specialist who reviews and interprets the images and provides a written report. This is electronically sent to your referring doctor or allied health worker.

What do I need to bring?

Referral from your doctor
Medicare card (if applicable)
Current Pension/healthcare card
Previous test results (if applicable)

What we need to know

Pregnant/Breastfeeding

Please advise our staff if you are pregnant or think you might be pregnant, or if you are breastfeeding.

Medications

Please advise us of any medications you are taking. They may affect the timing of your appointment.

Allergies

Please advise us of any allergies.

WARRAGUL CLINIC

43 Albert Street,
Warragul, Vic 3820

T: 03 5623 5500 
F: 03 5623 5514 
E: warragul@clearviewradiology.com.au

MOE CLINIC

34 George Street,
Moe, Vic 3825

T: 03 5127 5505
F: 03 5127 5506
E: moe@clearviewradiology.com.au

OPENING HOURS:

Mon-Fri 8.30am – 5.00pm