Dental X Rays OPG
Dental X-Rays & OPG in Chatswood
Dental X-Rays & OPG in Chatswood play an essential role in diagnosing oral health issues that cannot be seen during a regular dental examination. An OPG scan (Orthopantomogram) provides a full panoramic view of your teeth, jawbone, and surrounding structures in a single, quick, and comfortable image. This advanced imaging technique helps dentists examine areas that are hard to view with traditional bitewing or periapical dental X-rays.
Our dentists in Chatswood use modern OPG and digital X-ray technology to help detect dental concerns early, plan treatments accurately, and monitor long-term oral health with precision.
What Is an OPG Dental X-Ray?
An OPG is a specialised type of dental X-ray that captures a wide image of the lower half of your face. It shows:
- All upper and lower teeth
- Wisdom teeth (including unerupted or impacted ones)
- Jawbone structure
- The temporomandibular joint (TMJ)
- Sinuses and surrounding tissues
Because it covers such a large area, an OPG scan is extremely helpful for diagnosing problems that standard X-rays may miss. This makes it an important imaging tool for both routine dental care and advanced treatments.
Why Dental X-Rays & OPG Scans Are Important
OPG scans help identify issues early, often before they become painful or complicated. They are commonly used to examine:
- Wisdom teeth positions
- Jawbone health and bone density
- TMJ disorders or abnormalities
- Tooth root issues
- Hidden decay, especially between teeth
- Infections, cysts, or tumours
- Orthodontic concerns such as tooth misalignment or crowding
By providing a clear and comprehensive image, OPG X-rays help dentists create accurate treatment plans tailored to your oral health needs.
Advantages of Dental X-Rays / OPG in Chatswood
Modern OPG imaging offers many benefits, including:
- Full visual coverage
An OPG scan captures the teeth, jawbone, and TMJ in a single image, giving a complete overview of your oral health.
- Low radiation exposure
Digital OPG machines use significantly lower radiation doses compared to older X-ray systems, making them a safe diagnostic tool.
- Comfortable & convenient
OPG scans are quick and painless, and ideal for patients who have difficulty opening their mouth wide or those who experience discomfort with traditional X-rays.
- Fast results
The entire scan takes less than a minute, and the image is available instantly for review.
- Helpful for treatment planning
OPG images are used for wisdom tooth extraction planning, dental implants, orthodontics, and TMJ assessment.
- A valuable educational tool
The panoramic image helps dentists clearly explain conditions to patients and show areas of concern or recommended treatments.
What to Expect During an OPG Scan
The process is simple:
- You stand or sit in the OPG machine.
- A small guide helps position your head correctly.
- The machine rotates around your head to capture the panoramic image.
- The scan is completed within seconds, with no discomfort.
Our clinicians carefully review your OPG results and use them to assess your oral health or plan the most suitable treatment for your needs.
How Often Are Dental X-Rays Needed?
The frequency of dental X-rays depends on your individual needs. You may need an OPG scan if you:
- Are planning wisdom teeth removal
- Are preparing for orthodontic treatment
- Are considering dental implants
- Have jaw pain, clicking, or TMJ symptoms
- Have not had an OPG in several years
- Need a comprehensive assessment of your dental and jaw health
Your dentist will recommend a schedule based on your age, oral health, and treatment requirements.
Your Sunrise Dental Chatswood Principal Dentist
Dr William Yiu
Dr William Yiu graduated with degrees in Bachelor of Medical Science from UNSW and Doctor of Dental Surgery from Melbourne University, and most recently Graduate Diploma of Dental Implantology. He is fluent in both Mandarin and Cantonese.
His vision is to provide cost effective, comprehensive and individualised dental treatment for his patients. With his caring and gentle nature, he treats everyone to the highest of standards. He is readily able to connect with new patients from different ethnic backgrounds. He has worked as a dental officer at the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department of the first university affiliated hospital and has gained extensive experience in oral surgery – this includes the removal of wisdom teeth and implant placement therapy.
