DENTAL IMAGING

WHAT IS DENTAL IMAGING?

Your dentist, in evaluating your teeth may request an Orthopantomogram(OPG) and/or Lateral Cephalogram
An orthopantomogram, also referred to as a “panorex”, is a low dose panoramic xray using a panoramic dental scan of your upper and lower jaw. It shows a 2-dimensional view of a half circle from ear to ear.
Cephalometric xray, also called a Ceph xray, a lateral/side view of one’s head, exposing teeth, jaw, and surrounding soft tissues.
Your radiologist or dental practitioner can use these images to study the relation of your teeth to your jaw, assess problems in alignment or growth patterns, and prepare treatment.

The procedure should not take more than 15-20 minutes
No preauthorisation is required. However, some medical schemes do not pay for both a panorex and lateral cephalogram. You remain responsible for any shortfall or non-payment by the medical scheme.
Private patients are expected to pay for the procedure on the day of the procedure
Please inform the radiographer if you are pregant or have any allergies.
You may be given a lead protection gown.
You will need to remove jewellery and metallic objects from your head and neck

You will be asked to stand near the xray machine and place your chin onto a sanitized chin rest
To steady your jaw, the radiographer will ask you to bite down on a small plastic shelf with disposable cover.
The xray arms of the OPG rotates around your jaw, creating a panoramic image.
The patient will be asked to stand still while the images are obtained.
The x-ray itself takes only takes seconds.