Application Of OPG In Orthodontics

Application Of OPG In Orthodontics

Define and classify diagnostic aids in orthodontics and discuss in detail the uses of OPG.
Answer.

“Advances in digital OPG imaging for orthodontics”

Diagnosis

Diagnosis involves the development of a comprehensive and concise database of pertinent information which is sufficient to understand the patient’s problem as well as answer questions arising in the treating clinician’s mind. The data is derived from diagnostic aids.

OPG in orthodontics

Classification of Diagnostic Aids

Essential diagnostic aids

• Case selection
• Clinical examination
• Study models
• Certain radiographs:
  • Periapical radiograph
  • Bitewing
  • Panoramic.
• Facial photographs

“Understanding the role of OPG in orthodontic diagnosis”

Non-essential or supplemental diagnostic aids

• Specialized radiographs:
  • Cephalometric radiographs
  • Occlusal intraoral films
  • Selected lateral jaw view
  • Cone shif technique.
• Electromyographic examination of muscle activity.
• Hand and wrist radiographs to assess bone age.
• Endocrine tests.
• Estimation of basal metabolic rate.
• Diagnostic set-up.
• Occlusograms
• Sensitivity (Vitality) test
• Biopsy.

Dental panoramic radiograph

“Role of OPG in diagnosing jawbone abnormalities”

Uses of OPG

• As a substitute for full mouth intraoral periapical radiographs.
• For evaluation of developmental anomalies and TMJ dysfunction.
• For evaluation of tooth development for children, the mixed dentition and also the age.
• To assist and assess the patient for and during orthodontic treatment.

“OPG imaging for evaluating root positions in orthodontics”

• To establish the site and size of lesions such as cysts, tumors and developmental anomalies in the body and ramus of the mandible.
• For follow-up of treatment, progress of pathology or postoperative bony healing.
• Prior to any surgical procedures such as extraction of impacted teeth, enucleation of cyst, etc.
• For detection of fractures of the middle third and the mandible aftr facial trauma.
• To study the antrum, especially to study the flor, posterior and anterior walls of the antrum.
• Periodontal disease as an overall view of the alveolar bone levels.