Photo of OPGG: what is it?

In the daily practice of the dentist, a picture of the oral cavity of the patient is often needed to make the correct diagnosis. Depending on the requirements of the doctor, it can be panoramic or panoramic. The latter option is otherwise called an "orthopantomogram". What are its contraindications? How does this procedure work? The answers to these and other questions can be found in today's article.

Photo of OPGG - what is it?

OPTG, or orthopantomogram, is a panoramic snapshot of the dental system performed on an unusual apparatus - orthopantomograph. This method of diagnosis is widely used in modern dentistry.

With his help, a specialist assesses the condition of the teeth, their placement. Through such a picture, he can view pathologies in the maxillary sinuses or soft tissues around. Qualitatively performed procedure allows you to put the correct diagnosis. And without it, one can not start therapy in time, thus preventing the occurrence of complications of the disease. After all, many diseases occur without pronounced symptoms.

Indications for the procedure

The OPTG image provides a detailed and clear picture of the state of various parts of the jaw system. With its help, an experienced specialist can consider even hidden inflammations, which can not be recognized by means of a conventional radiograph.

This technique also allows you to determine:

• Depth of dentogingival pockets;
• Cystic formations and granulomas;
• Density, volume of peri-toothed tissues;
• Presence of carious cavities;
• Condition of the filling material;
• Inflammatory processes in chronic form;
• Condition of maxillary sinuses.

A picture of the OPTG of the teeth must be prescribed before implantation. A detailed image allows you to make the most effective treatment plan. Orthopantomogram also helps to control the process of implantation of "artificial teeth".

There are other indications for the purpose of this procedure. Among them we can distinguish:

• Preparation for prosthetics or surgery;
• Periodontitis;
• Injuries of the jaw system;
• Elimination of tooth mobility;
• Abscess in the oral cavity;
• Preparation for the removal of wisdom teeth or other problematic units.

Orthopantomogram is prescribed not only for adults but also for young patients. With the help of a qualitative picture, the orthodontist learns how the dentoalveolar system is changing, whether the roots are formed. Indeed, it is during adolescence that many dental problems are encountered. This and the wrong formation of the bite, and the incorrect arrangement of individual teeth, and dysfunction of the speech apparatus. Before the beginning of treatment of the listed pathologies to all patients without exception the doctor appoints a picture of OPTG. The photo of the dentoalveolar system allows us to perform competent planning of future therapy. With its help it is possible to prevent the development of complications in the future.

Possible contraindications

In what cases is it better not to take a picture of OPTG? It is recommended to refuse this type of diagnosis during pregnancy. If the need for a panoramic image still exists, the dentist must evaluate the potential risks to the fetus inside the womb.

Experts warn that in the year allowed to do no more than 100 orthopantomogram procedures. Usually, her help is used twice: first in the period of diagnosis, and then after a course of therapy to assess the dynamics of recovery.

Technique of the procedure

Diagnosis is carried out only in a specially equipped office. Before the procedure, the patient must remove all ornaments and metal objects, as they interfere with the normal passage of X-rays. On the patient's chest, a lead apron is put on to protect against radiation, and the neck area is covered with a collar.

How is the procedure performed? The patient becomes face to an unusual device - an orthopantomograph. During the study, it is necessary to stand flat, pressing the breast to the platform. For convenience, the device has special handrails. Then you should bite the plate with your teeth and keep the correct position of the jaw. After the completion of the preparatory phase, the specialist turns on the device.

During the procedure, the scanner tube begins to rotate slowly around the head, producing a characteristic noise. The image is immediately transferred to a film or digital device. Sometimes a doctor asks the patient to tilt or turn his head to make a picture of OPTG quality. The described process takes no more than 10 minutes.

The technologies used in the work

In medical practice, two types of orthopantomograms are used: film and digital. In the first case, the lab technician needs extra time to develop the images. However, the result is difficult to maintain for a long time. In the sunlight, it quickly loses its original clarity.

What is the digital snapshot of OPTG features? During the procedure, the patient receives the minimum dose of radiation. Its results are easily stored on any digital media. You can zoom in, adjust sharpness, or add contrast.

Today, doctors prefer digital methods of orthopantomogram, because they have many advantages:

• Instantaneous result;
• There are no time costs for the development and printout of images;
• The dose of irradiation is reduced by 90%;
• There is no need for a repeat procedure due to a poor-quality image;
• The results are stored on the computer, you can contact them at any time.

The results of the examination immediately fall in electronic form to the treating doctor. He can start treatment in time or send pictures to other specialists for consultation.

Service cost

Orthopantomogram is prescribed by a dentist, less often by an otolaryngologist. Unfortunately, not all specialized medical institutions provide this service. Most often, the OPTG is taken at large dental centers, where the necessary equipment is available.

The price of panoramic diagnostics can vary from 600 to 1,000 rubles. This cost usually includes decoding results and saving on a digital medium. This variation in prices is due to several factors: the prestige of the clinic, the qualification of the doctor, etc.