Modern dentistry is all about precision, early diagnosis, and painless treatment planning—and one of the most valuable tools that makes this possible is the OPG Dental X-ray. Whether you’re evaluating wisdom teeth, jaw alignment, bone health, or planning orthodontic treatment, an OPG gives your dentist a complete overview of what’s happening inside your mouth in a single scan.
At Smiline Dental Clinic, Hyderabad, we use advanced digital OPG imaging systems that deliver high-quality, low-radiation panoramic images for fast, accurate diagnosis and safer treatment decisions.
In this blog, we break down everything you need to know about OPG dental X-rays—what they are, why they’re used, their benefits, the procedure, safety, costs, and when you should get one.
What Is an OPG Dental X-Ray?
OPG stands for Orthopantomogram—a special type of panoramic dental X-ray that captures a wide, 2D image of your entire mouth in a single scan.
An OPG shows:
- All upper and lower teeth
- Both jaws
- Jaw joints (TMJ)
- Nasal and sinus areas
- Bone structure and thickness
- Tooth roots and surrounding tissues
Unlike traditional X-rays, which focus on a single tooth, an OPG provides a complete view of the dental landscape, making it an essential tool for diagnosis and treatment planning.
Why Dentists Recommend an OPG
Your dentist may advise an OPG for various reasons, including:
Wisdom teeth evaluation
To check if they are impacted, stuck, or pressing against nearby teeth.
Orthodontic treatment (braces or aligners)
To assess jaw growth, teeth alignment, and bone structure.
Gum disease analysis
To determine bone loss around teeth.
Jaw joint problems (TMJ issues)
To evaluate joint spacing and jawbone health.
Trauma and fractures
An OPG shows fractures of both teeth and jaw.
Identifying cysts, tumours, or infections
Helpful in detecting abnormalities early.
Checking growth and development in children
To track the eruption of permanent teeth.
Because it gives a complete, clear, and organized view, dentists rely heavily on OPG scans for fast, accurate diagnosis.
Benefits of an OPG Dental X-Ray
An OPG offers several advantages over traditional dental X-rays. Here are the most important ones:
1. Full Mouth View in a Single Image
This is the most significant advantage. Instead of taking multiple small X-rays, an OPG captures:
- All teeth
- Entire jawbone
- TMJ joints
- Sinuses
- Surrounding tissues
This makes diagnosis faster and more detailed.
2. Helps in Early Detection of Dental Issues
An OPG can reveal hidden problems, such as:
- Impacted teeth
- Cysts or tumours
- Bone defects
- Tooth infections
- Impacted wisdom teeth
- Delayed eruption in children
Early detection means early treatment—and better outcomes.
3. Essential for Orthodontic & Cosmetic Dentistry
Braces, aligners, or smile makeover procedures require a complete understanding of:
- Teeth alignment
- Bone level
- Jaw relationship
- Growth patterns
An OPG gives orthodontists the complete picture they need before beginning treatment.
4. Low Radiation Exposure
At Smiline Dental Clinic, our advanced digital OPG machines use much lower radiation than conventional X-rays, making them safe for adults and children.
5. Quick & Painless
An OPG scan takes less than 15 seconds.
- No injections
- No biting on film
- No discomfort
It is the most patient-friendly imaging process in dentistry.
6. Great for Surgical Planning
For procedures like:
- Dental implants
- Wisdom tooth extraction
- Root canal retreatment
- Jaw surgery
An OPG helps with precise planning by clearly showing bone levels, nerve positions, and tooth roots.
The OPG Procedure: What Happens During the Scan?
If you’ve never done an OPG scan before, here’s what you can expect at Smiline Dental Clinic.
1. Quick Preparation
You may be asked to:
- Remove earrings, spectacles, or metal objects
- Stand straight or sit, depending on the machine type
- Bite gently on a small plastic piece to stabilize your head
This ensures a clear and accurate image.
2. Positioning
Your head is positioned using:
- Chin rest
- Forehead rest
- Side head rests
The machine ensures no movement, which is essential for sharp imaging.
3. The Scan Begins
Once positioned:
- The rotating arm moves around your head
- You will be asked to stay still and keep your lips closed
- The scan takes about 10–15 seconds
You won’t feel anything—it’s completely painless.
4. Image Preview & Diagnosis
Within seconds, the digital image appears on the screen.
At Smiline Dental Clinic, we use high-resolution digital scanners that allow:
- Zooming
- Analysis of bone levels
- Identification of hidden dental problems
- Immediate treatment planning
Your dentist will show you the scan and explain the findings.
Is an OPG Safe? Radiation, Risks & Safety Measures
Yes—OPG is considered very safe.
Low Radiation Exposure
Modern digital OPG machines emit minimal radiation, significantly lower than:
- CT scans
- Traditional X-rays
- Many medical imaging systems
Equivalent radiation exposure to:
- A short aeroplane flight
- 1–2 days of natural background radiation
Safe for Children and Adults
OPG is commonly used for:
- Children monitoring tooth eruption
- Teenagers requiring braces
- Adults planning implants or extractions
- Senior citizens checking bone health
We follow all international safety guidelines.
Who Should Avoid OPG?
It is generally avoided for:
- Pregnant women, especially in the first trimester
- (unless necessary)
Otherwise, it is safe for almost everyone.
When Do You Need an OPG?
Dentists may recommend an OPG in the following situations:
1. Wisdom Tooth Pain
If your third molars are:
- Impacted
- Causing swelling
- Trapped under the gums
- Pushing against other teeth
An OPG is the best way to diagnose.
2. Braces & Clear Aligners
An OPG helps orthodontists:
- Check jaw size
- Evaluate bone growth
- Measure tooth positions
- Identify missing or extra teeth
It is a mandatory part of planning.
3. Dental Implants
Before implant placement, an OPG shows:
- Bone height
- Bone density
- Nerve location
- Tooth spacing
This minimizes surgical risks.
4. Jaw Pain or Clicking Sound
If you have TMJ issues, an OPG is used to examine joint alignment.
5. Gum Disease
OPG scans reveal bone loss caused by periodontitis, helping dentists plan treatment.
6. Facial Trauma or Accidents
For jaw fractures or dental injuries, an OPG provides a complete view of damage.
7. Children’s Dental Growth Monitoring
An OPG helps track:
- Missing teeth
- Delayed eruption
- Extra teeth
- Jaw development
It is a valuable tool for pediatric dentistry.
What Problems Can an OPG Detect?
An OPG can help diagnose a wide range of dental issues:
- Tooth decay in difficult-to-see areas
- Impacted or crooked teeth
- Cysts or jaw tumours
- Jawbone infections
- Gum disease and bone loss
- Missing or extra teeth
- TMJ disorders
- Root fractures
- Sinus abnormalities
Because of its wide coverage, dentists prefer OPG over multiple individual X-rays.
OPG vs. Traditional Dental X-Rays: What’s the Difference?
Here’s a quick comparison:
| Feature | OPG | Traditional X-Ray |
| Coverage | Full mouth | Only 1–2 teeth |
| Radiation | Lower | Higher |
| Purpose | Diagnosis & planning | Localized issues |
| Comfort | No sensors in mouth | Bitewing films inside mouth |
| Time | 15 seconds | 1–2 minutes per X-ray |
| Detail | Moderate | High detail for small areas |
Dentists often combine both for a comprehensive diagnosis.
How Much Does an OPG Cost in Hyderabad?
On average, an OPG costs between ₹300 and ₹600, depending on the clinic and the quality of the machine.
At Smiline Dental Clinic, we offer:
- Affordable, high-quality digital OPG scans
- Instant results
- Expert interpretation
- Use of the latest dental imaging technology
Why Choose a Smiline Dental Clinic for Your OPG Scan?
Smiline Dental Clinic is one of Hyderabad’s most advanced dental centres, offering world-class imaging technology for accurate and safe dental diagnosis.
High-resolution digital OPG machines
Clear, precise images for better diagnosis.
Minimum radiation exposure
Safe for adults and children.
Experienced dentists and orthodontists
Accurate interpretation and treatment planning.
Quick, painless, and comfortable
A full scan is completed in seconds.
Same-day treatment planning
Ideal for implants, braces, and dental emergencies.
Trusted by families across Hyderabad
High-quality care with patient comfort as a priority.
Final Thoughts
An OPG dental X-ray is one of the most essential diagnostic tools in modern dentistry. Whether you’re experiencing pain, planning orthodontic treatment, preparing for implants, or simply undergoing a routine check-up, an OPG provides a clear, complete picture of your oral health.
At Smiline Dental Clinic, Hyderabad, our experienced dentists use digital OPG imaging to diagnose problems early, plan treatments accurately, and ensure safe, effective results for every patient.
If you need an OPG scan or want a detailed dental evaluation, book an appointment with Smiline today—your smile deserves the best care.