Orthopantomography: Treatment, Effects & Risks

Orthopantomography is an uncomplicated examination that images the complete jaw area. X-rays are used to take the images. Thanks to the low exposure, it is a risk-free way for dentists to take diagnostic images of the jaw and neck area.

What is orthopantomography?

Orthopantomography is a straightforward examination that images the complete jaw region. Orthopantomography is an x-ray of the dental area. In addition to the joints of the jaw, this examination shows both maxillary sinuses, the teeth, and the areas of the jaw that are in the immediate vicinity. Even the sides of the neck are imaged. Orthopantomography originates from Finland and was developed by the Palomex company. Nowadays, this examination, also known as panoramic slice imaging, is one of the standard practices in the radiographic field of work in medicine. Several abbreviations are also used for this procedure. These are OPT, OPG and OPTG. Orthopantomography is performed by dentists in a dental office or clinic. The OPT device is required for the images of the dental area. The advantage of this examination is that patients only have to undergo a single orthopantomography. Because it images so many areas, it eliminates the need for multiple radiographs in various exams. In the course of this one orthopantomography, dentists usually develop complete plans for treatment.

Function, effect and goals

For orthopantomography, dentists need an OPT device. This works with the X-ray technology widely used in radiography. Built into this device are either a line scan camera or a film cassette. These are the two possible recording devices. In the course of the exposure, the patient’s face is circled with the exposure device. This corresponds to a semicircle. This emits rays that shine through the jaw. The beams occur in bundles. These have a size of 0.25 mm. In the course of the examination, they expand to 3 mm. Thanks to the sophisticated technique, it is an effective tomography that images the jaw areas in a curved way. During orthopantomography, the patient stands, as the device is built for this posture. However, this procedure is made easier for him by the fact that he can hold on to handles. During the images, the patient must bite down on a plate. He does this with his front teeth. Since the head could move uncontrollably without being fixed, it must be fixed. In this way, doctors avoid blurring, which would render the images unusable. The examination is completely painless for the patient. The only thing required of him is concentration. Despite the fixation of the head, he must eventually hold still so that the images with the OPT device succeed. The aim of orthopantomography is to obtain meaningful images of the jaw, including the teeth. With them, doctors aim to make unambiguous diagnoses. However, this procedure is also accompanied by a disadvantage that can complicate the diagnosis. The cervical spine is located in the middle and overlaps with the front teeth above and below. Nevertheless, orthopantomography is considered a convenient and simple procedure for making reliable diagnoses. This is not only true for damage to the teeth or clear findings regarding wisdom teeth. Since parts of the neck are imaged, veins are also visible. Those are significant carotid arteries. If the arteries are calcified, there is a risk of a heart attack or stroke. Consequently, panoramic slice imaging can help not only dentists but also cardiovascular specialists. Overall, this examination makes it possible to identify pathological relationships and their consequences for the human masticatory system. Dentists reliably identify pain in the jaw or problems with wisdom teeth with orthopantomography. However, if diseases are detected in the carotid arteries, further examinations should follow.

Risks, side effects and dangers

Orthopantomography is pain-free for the patient. Some sufferers report feeling constricted during the examination. This occurs because they are standing but cannot move their head.In addition, patients have to bite down on a platelet. Some find this unpleasant. In addition, many are unaccustomed to seeing a technical device of this type moving around their head. However, there are no dangerous risks. This is because only a small amount of radiation is released. The greatest fear of numerous patients is therefore not confirmed. Digital X-rays release very little radiation. The amount of a flight of several hours is achieved. Since orthopantomography x-rays many areas at once and multiple passes are unnecessary, exposure to radiation is also reduced. Problems can only arise in certain individuals if they would be regularly exposed to radiation over a long period of time. But this is the same in an airplane: those who fly more frequently also have their bodies exposed to higher levels of radiation. However, orthopantomography is not an examination that is performed very frequently on the same patient. However, some potential disadvantages of orthopantomography should not go unmentioned. For example, the anterior teeth can cause problems during imaging. They do so if they have an extreme position. Then there is the problem that simultaneous imaging of the maxillary and mandibular anterior teeth is not possible in a perfect quality. In addition, accurate measurements are not feasible. This is especially true in the horizontal plane.