What is an OPG and Lateral/PA Ceph?
Crystal Radiology offers specialized Dental OPG Xrays that give your dentist or orthodontist clear images of your teeth and jaw. We provide two common types of dental X-rays: the Orthopantomogram (Dental OPG) and Lateral/PA Cephalogram (Lat/PA Ceph). Both scans help dentists and orthodontists better understand your dental health and make plans for any treatments you might need.
- Lateral Cephalogram (Lat Ceph): This X-ray provides a side view of your head, helping doctors understand how your teeth align with your jaw. It’s commonly used for people needing braces, as it allows orthodontists to examine bite issues like overbites and underbites.
- Posteroanterior Cephalogram (PA Ceph): A PA Ceph shows a view from the back of your head, allowing doctors to check the symmetry of your face and jaw. This scan can help monitor jaw development in children or examine any issues with facial symmetry.
Both of these X-rays are particularly helpful when planning orthodontic treatments or braces because they allow the dentist to see how your teeth and jaw line up about the rest of your face.
What to Expect During an OPG or Lat/PA Ceph Scan at Crystal Radiology
At Crystal Radiology, we work hard to make sure your Dental OPG Xrays experience is as smooth and comfortable as possible. Here’s what you can expect:
- For an OPG Scan: You’ll stand in front of the Dental OPG machine with a small mouthpiece to bite down on lightly. The machine will rotate around your head to capture the panoramic image of your teeth and jaw. The process is quick and typically takes only a few seconds.
- For a Lat or PA Ceph Scan: You will stand while the X-ray machine captures either a side view (for Lat Ceph) or a back view (for PA Ceph) of your head. To keep your head steady, the radiographer may use small plastic supports in your ears.
For both scans, you’ll need to stay still while the image is captured to ensure a clear, high-quality picture.
Do I Need to Prepare for an OPG or Lat/PA Ceph Scan?
No special preparation is needed for these dental scans, but here are a few tips to make sure the process goes smoothly:
- Remove Metal Items: You’ll need to take off any jewelry, hearing aids, dental plates, or other metal objects from your head and neck. Metal can interfere with the X-ray images.
- Arrive Early: Plan to arrive 15 minutes before your appointment to check in and bring your Medicare or concession card, referral, and any previous scans.
- Let Us Know if You’re Pregnant: If you’re pregnant or think you might be, let our staff know in advance. While dental X-rays use very low radiation, it’s important to take special care during pregnancy.
If you’re bringing a child under six, please have a second adult with you to help supervise, as children need extra attention during the scanning process.
Safety and Risks
Dental OPG Xrays, like Dental OPG and Lat/PA Ceph scans, use very low levels of radiation, making them safe for most patients. The risk is minimal, and no radiation remains in your body after the scan is done. Experts agree that the benefits of these scans far outweigh any small risks associated with radiation exposure.
If you have any concerns about the radiation, feel free to ask our team. We’re here to ensure your safety and answer any questions you may have.
After Your Scan
Once your scan is complete, there’s usually no special care required. You can go back to your regular activities right away. A radiologist will review the images and send a detailed report to your dentist or orthodontist, who will then discuss any treatment recommendations with you.
How Much Does an OPG or Lat/PA Ceph Scan Cost?
The cost of these scans can vary depending on the specific imaging and any additional requests from your doctor. At Crystal Radiology, we strive to keep our services affordable and offer bulk billing to make dental imaging accessible. Our team can also discuss any out-of-pocket costs with you before your appointment.
Ready to Book Your Dental Imaging Appointment?
At Crystal Radiology, we’re dedicated to providing high-quality, patient-centered imaging services. Our team is here to make your experience as comfortable and informative as possible.
To book your Dental OPG or Lat/PA Ceph scan, call us at (02) 8315 8292 or visit our website. Don’t forget to bring your Medicare card and referral on the day of your appointment. We look forward to assisting you with your dental imaging needs!