Dental X-Ray (OPG)
- 5 mins procedure
- Remove metal objects from head/neck
- Includes jewellery, glasses etc

Everything to know about Dental
Types of examination
An orthopantomogram (OPG) captures x-rays of the head/face on film. A panoramic frontal image, displaying a wide view of the region.
A lateral cephalogram is a radiograph of the skull which also uses x-rays, however the resultant image is a side-on view.
A lateral cephalogram is a radiograph of the skull which also uses x-rays, however the resultant image is a side-on view.
A dental examination is used to assess:
- Tooth or gum disease
- Maxilla
- Mandible joints


What to expect
While there is no special preparation for an OPG, you may be asked to remove any metal objects.
The Medical Imaging Specialists will ask you to sit on a chair or stand for the OPG. It is important that you tell the staff if you have difficulty sitting or standing unassisted. When you are placed in the correct position, the radiographer will go behind a screen to start the OPG machine. They will ask you to be still during the OPG. When your OPG is finished you will be asked to wait while the radiographer checks the images. The procedure usually takes about 5 minutes.

The day of the procedure
The night before
Good night's sleep
15 - 30mins prior
Arrive at practice
The OPG
30mins after
Time to go home
- Scroll right
Patient stories
“With the support of Lumus, I've been in control of my treatment, which has greatly shortened my recovery time from chemotherapy and radiation therapy. I’m very grateful for the outstanding care I’ve received from the medical staff during my PET scans.”
John’s story Managing skin cancer 
“With the support of Lumus, I've been in control of my treatment, which has greatly shortened my recovery time from chemotherapy and radiation therapy. I’m very grateful for the outstanding care I’ve received from the medical staff during my PET scans.”
John’s story Managing skin cancer 
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Request a dental X-Ray (OPG) appointment
FAQs
Images can now be viewed by the referring specialist via a digital portal. If a hard copy film is preferred by a specialist, the radiograph can be printed.
Experts in medicine and radiation physics have recently concluded that the use of lead shielding during medical imaging examinations is no longer necessary.
The Radiographer may be able to apply shielding while ensuring that the quality of the examination is not compromised and it will not inadvertently increase the dose.

Meet Dr Peter Zheng
FRANZCR
Consultant Radiologist, Lumus Imaging, Brisbane
“We are constantly adopting the latest technology and ideas, expanding into regional, rural and metropolitan areas, and attracting professionals with genuine talent and enthusiasm at every level. “
