Dental X-Ray (OPG) — Full Jaw & Teeth Imaging
Expert specialist oPG (Orthopantomogram) dental X-rays at Epoch Medical Imaging, St Ives Shopping Village. Full jaw and teeth panoramic imaging. Walk-in available. Serving the North Shore.
What Is an OPG (Orthopantomogram) and What Does It Show?
An OPG (Orthopantomogram) is a panoramic dental X-ray that captures a single, sweeping image of the entire jaw in one study — including all the teeth, the upper and lower jawbones, the jaw joints (temporomandibular joints — TMJ), and the lower portions of the sinuses. It is the most comprehensive single X-ray study available for dental and jaw assessment.
What an OPG can show:
– All teeth — erupted, developing, and impacted (including wisdom teeth)
– Tooth roots and the surrounding supporting bone structures
– The upper and lower jawbones in their entirety
– The jaw joints (TMJ) — both left and right
– Lower portions of the maxillary sinuses
– Overall dental alignment, spacing, and bone levels
– Signs of pathology such as cysts, lesions, or bone changes within the jaw
At Epoch Medical Imaging in St Ives Shopping Village, OPG dental X-rays are available on a walk-in basis with a valid referral. Results are sent directly to your referring dentist or oral surgeon within 24 to 48 hours.
When Would a Dentist or Oral Surgeon Refer Me for an OPG?
Dentists and oral surgeons request OPG X-rays regularly as part of dental planning, assessment, and treatment procedure.
Common reasons for an OPG referral include:
– Assessment before wisdom tooth removal or other oral surgery — to understand the position and root anatomy
– Planning for dental implants — to assess bone quantity and quality
– Orthodontic treatment planning in children and teenagers — assessing tooth development and jaw growth
– Identifying jaw cysts, lesions, or pathology
– Assessing bone levels around existing teeth in periodontal disease
– TMJ (jaw joint) assessment when pain, clicking, or restricted opening is present
– Pre-treatment planning for orthodontic braces
An OPG provides your dentist or oral surgeon with a comprehensive panoramic overview that individual small intraoral dental X-rays simply cannot replicate — making it an essential investigation for complex dental planning and oral surgical procedures.
OPG vs Standard Dental X-Rays: What Is the Difference?
Both OPG and standard intraoral dental X-rays are used in modern dentistry, but they serve distinctly different purposes.
In practice, dentists use both types in a complementary way. An OPG provides the broad overview essential for surgical planning and jaw assessment. Standard intraoral X-rays provide fine detail of individual teeth and are used for detecting decay, assessing individual root anatomy, and monitoring specific areas closely.
How to Prepare for an OPG Dental X-Ray at Epoch
Preparation for an OPG is minimal — making it one of the most straightforward radiology appointments available.
What to do before your appointment:
– Remove all jewellery, earrings, and neck chains before the X-ray.
What happens during the OPG:
– We will ask you to remove any removable dental devices such as plates, retainers, or partial dentures.
– You stand or sit in front of the OPG machine.
– A bite piece is placed between your teeth to position your jaw correctly.
– The machine slowly rotates around your head, capturing the panoramic image.
– The entire process takes approximately 3 to 5 minutes — and the actual X-ray takes only seconds.
– No fasting, no injections, and no recovery time are required.
Walk-in OPG X-rays are available at Epoch Medical Imaging, St Ives Shopping Village, during all standard opening hours. Bring your dental referral and our team will see you promptly.
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Have a question or ready to book? Our friendly team is here to help with appointments, referrals and any imaging enquiries you may have.
Working Hours
Monday - Wednesday, Friday 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Thursday - 08:00 AM - 07:00 PM
Saturday - 08:30 AM - 1:00 PM