OPG
OPG is an abbreviation of OrthoPanTomoGram. 'Ortho' as in orthodontics refers to the teeth. 'Pan' refers to the panoramic display of the teeth produced by the technique. A Tomogram is an X-ray image that is focussed in a single plane of the patient. The OPG machine is specifically designed to produce panoramic tomographic X-rays of the teeth, jaws and temperomandibular joints. The physical principles are similar to conventional tomograms however with an OPG the plane of focus is curved to match the curve of the jaws. The images provide an overview of the state of the dentition as well as information regarding the bones of the jaw (the mandible and maxilla), the sinuses in the upper jaw and the joints between the jaw and the skull (the temperomandibular joints). The OPG machines can also perform a 'lateral cephalogram' which is a standard lateral view of the skull. The information assists dentists, dental and medical specialists in diagnosing abnormalities and in planning treatment for known problems.
