A snapshot of the teeth is called an orthopantogram. In fact, it is a radiograph of the upper and lower jaw. Panoramic images allow doctors to see the whole picture, assess the scale of the spread of the disease, make an accurate diagnosis and develop the right treatment strategy. Where to take a panoramic picture of the teeth and how much will it cost?
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Essence of orthopantogram
Abbreviated this the procedure is called OPTG. It is a circular x-ray, which clearly shows both jaws, turned into a plane. The dentist sees on such X-rays not only the teeth, their roots, channels, fillings and crowns. This picture allows you to assess the condition of the periodontal, maxillary sinuses, sinuses.
A snapshot is taken on a special device - orthopantomograph. Despite the use of the same technology as with conventional X-rays, the radiation load on the patient with panoramic X-rays is several times less. For this reason, a review X-ray can be safely done annually, and if necessary, the frequency of the procedure can be safely increased.
There are two types of orthopantograms: traditional with film and digital.
Dentists resort to x-ray panoramic image, when it requires to get full view of the jaw structure. Assessing the survey image, doctors carefully examine the dentition and jaw, their position relative to the maxillary sinus and mandibular nerve. With the help of an orthopantomogram, doctors receive information about the condition of the seals and the quality of the closure of the channels, reveal hidden pathological changes in the periodontal disease and much more. Therefore, we can safely say that the panoramic x-ray of the teeth is the most important diagnostic method in the treatment of diseases of the oral cavity.
Orthodontists are very fond of the orthopantomogram, because it allows you to determine how much bone tissue is preserved in the implant area. Is it enough or will you have to do a sinus lift before implantation? Also, a survey X-ray makes it possible to predict the dynamics of implantation engraftment and precisely select their sizes.
Orthopantomogram is very important to understand the location of eights - the most problematic teeth. On its basis, a decision is made on the treatment or removal of a wisdom tooth. The target X-ray is uninformative here.
A panoramic picture of the teeth is obtained by turning in the plane of the three-dimensional image. This means that different distortions may be noted in the image, which complicate the interpretation of visual data. Because of this, in the dental practice, an orthopantomogram is considered to be the primary diagnostic method using x-rays, on the basis of which a deeper examination and treatment tactics are subsequently constructed. After a panoramic X-ray of the teeth, the diagnosis is often used: dental X-ray, periodontogram, CT, radiophysiography.
Indications for a panoramic picture of the teeth
Teeth snapshots used in all sections of dentistry:
- Therapeutic dentistry uses such x-rays to develop an oral cavity plan.
- In periodontics to assess the degree of periodontal damage and the selection of the best treatment.
- In orthodontics, a panoramic X-ray of the teeth helps to correct the bite effectively at minimal cost.
- Orthopedics and implantology use an orthopantomogram for planning implant placement and dental restoration.
- In surgical dentistry, a review X-ray allows you to make the right decision about the treatment or removal of teeth, as well as the feasibility of other surgical interventions.
The decision to hold a panoramic x-ray dentist can take on the basis of complaints from the patient. For example, the patient cannot accurately localize the pain in the tooth or jaws, in this case, the localization of the pathology can be determined using a survey image.
Panoramic X-ray is used to examine children. starting from the age of 5. Children's dentistry with the help of panoramic images monitor the growth of dental plates, control the level of tooth filling with minerals.
Even LOR-doctors resort to the orthopantomogram. Survey images give them the necessary information about the state of the maxillary sinuses, nasal septum and nasal passages.
The only contraindication to the panoramic x-ray of teeth is pregnancy. This is a relative contraindication. After consultation with an obstetrician-gynecologist and a neonatologist, a panoramic picture of the teeth can still be taken.
Digital and film panoramic picture of teeth
The diaper panoramic X-ray is less and less used today due to the advent of more modern digital equipment. She is has several advantages:
- 20 times reduced radiation dose.
- Information is immediately displayed on the computer screen and, therefore, eliminates the use of film, making the procedure more affordable.
- Digital snapshot can be easily processed and stored. If necessary, you can send it by e-mail.
- Digital orthopantomograph provides a clearer image that does not lose its characteristics over time, as it happens with film images.
Method of orthopantomogram
A high-quality panoramic picture of teeth can be obtained only if the patient does not move and occupy the correct position. Before carrying out the procedure, the patient must remove his dentures, watches and any decorations.
For a symmetrical arrangement of the patient's head relative to the radiographic apparatus, a mental emphasis is used. The patient is seated so that his chin is on the support, and then the head is aligned on three planes. At the moment when the picture will be taken, the patient should sit with lowered shoulders and a straightened neck. In order for the head not to move to the sides, it is fastened with frontal and parietal fixatives. Also, the patient at the request of the doctor presses the tongue to the sky. If all requirements are met, the doctor receives an excellent panoramic image without distortion and shadow layers.
The X-ray machine on which the survey images are taken has an emitter and digital or film receiver. The latter moves around the patient's head, allowing you to receive an image in different projections. The result is a two-dimensional flat picture.
Where to take a panoramic picture of the teeth and how much does it cost?
Today, an orthopantomogram can be done at any major dental clinic. Moreover, even small clinics are increasingly offering such services, because used orthopantomographs are quite affordable. Patients make a choice based on the territorial availability and cost of services. On average in Moscow, a panoramic picture of teeth costs 1000 rubles. In some clinics for this service, asking for 2500 rubles. In regions, orthopantomogram is a bit cheaper.