Jaw pain is not just some troubling symptom but an unbearable pain, affecting daily activities such as chewing, speaking, and even sleeping. There might be various reasons behind your jaw pain, such as dental issues, joint disorders, etc. Thus, accurate diagnosis becomes important.
OPG Scan in Delhi is one of the most valuable diagnostic procedures in dentistry. OPG stands for orthopantomogram and helps in identifying the root cause of jaw pain, aiding in treatment. Therefore, in this blog we will explore how OPG scans help in the diagnosis and treatment of Jaw pain in particular. Continue reading for further information.
Understanding OPG Scan?
Before we dive into how an OPG scan helps in the diagnosis and treatment of jaw pain, let’s understand what an OPG scan is. Well, an Orthopantomogram or OPG scan, is a panoramic dental X-ray that captures a two-dimensional image of the upper and lower jaws, teeth, temporomandibular joints (TMJ), and surrounding bone structure all in a single scan.
Here are some of the other common concerns where an OPG scan is useful in treatment and diagnosis:
- Jaw pain and joint disorders
- Impacted teeth
- Bone abnormalities
- Dental infections
- Fractures or trauma
- Oral cysts and tumors
Why Should Jaw Pain Shouldn’t Be Ignored?
It can be a sign of:
- Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD)
- Tooth infections or abscesses
- Impacted wisdom teeth
- Dental misalignment or bite issues
- Fractures due to trauma
- Bruxism (teeth grinding)
- Arthritis or bone diseases
- Tumors or cysts.
How OPG Scans Help in Diagnosing Jaw Pain?
Here’s how OPG scans helps in diagnosing jaw pain:
- Visualizing the Entire Jaw
An OPG scan helps by providing a complete view of both the maxilla (upper jaw) and mandible (lower jaw). This scan also includes teeth, jaw joints, and sinus areas. This further helps in identifying and pinpointing the root cause of jaw pain.
- Detecting TMJ Disorders
The scans can also help diagnose temporomandibular joints, which further helps in revealing:
- Joint degeneration
- Asymmetry
- Dislocation or misalignment
- Inflammation
- Evaluating Impacted or Erupting Teeth
The scans also help evaluate impacted or erupting teeth. This is usually needed because wisdom teeth usually grow in awkward positions, press against nerves or fail to erupt all together. Thus, having an OPG scan makes it easier to detect these and assess if there is a surgical approach needed to remove the window tooth.
- Identifying Dental Infections
OPG scans can reveal hidden abscesses, cystic lesions, or periapical infections at the root level that may cause referred jaw pain.
- Bone and Joint Health
Chronic conditions like arthritis, osteomyelitis, or bone tumors are often detected through signs visible on an OPG scan like bone loss, lesions, or irregular growth.
- Fractures and Trauma
In cases of injury, the OPG is critical for checking fractures or dislocations that may not be visible externally.
When is an OPG Scan Recommended for Jaw Pain?
It is recommended, when one is experiencing below mentioned concerns:
- Persistent or recurrent jaw pain
- Clicking or popping sounds from the jaw
- Limited jaw movement
- Pain while chewing or yawning
- Swelling near the jawline
- Suspected wisdom tooth complications
- Facial trauma or injury.
What to Expect During an OPG Scan?
- You will be asked to remove any metal accessories (like earrings or glasses).
- You will be positioned standing or sitting upright in the OPG machine.
- Your head will be stabilized with chin and forehead rests.
- The machine rotates around your head, capturing a complete panoramic image.
- The entire scan takes less than 30 seconds.
Treatment Based on OPG Findings
Here are some treatments based on OPG findings.
- For TMJ Disorders
- Dental Infections or Abscesses
- For Impacted Wisdom Teeth
- For Jaw Fractures or Bone Issues
- For Tumors or Cysts
Advantages of Using OPG for Jaw Pain
- Wide field of view for full assessment
- Quick and painless procedure
- Minimal radiation exposure
- Cost-effective compared to 3D scans
- Ideal for treatment planning in dental surgeries
Are There Any Risks?
No, OPG scan is relatively safe since radiation exposure in an OPG scan is very low, especially when compared to CT scans. However, it is generally avoided in pregnant women unless absolutely necessary.
For Early Diagnosis and Better Outcomes, Visit Zena Healthcare!
If you are struggling with jaw pain, an OPG scan is often the most efficient and informative first step toward diagnosis. From TMJ disorders to dental abscesses and hidden jaw conditions, it allows your dentist to make accurate decisions and personalized treatment plans. If you are considering this scan, book an appointment at an all women diagnostic centre, exclusively built for providing a safe and trustworthy environment for women. For more information, book an appointment at Zena Female Diagnostic Centre in Greater Kailash, today!
