In the last post, we had seen the uses of full mouth X ray called Orthopantomogram (OPG).
The benefits are more, agreed, but what about the safety? So let us go back to basic mathematics here:
Imagine a child is having cavities at 4 different places in the mouth. With a basic intra oral film, we can see a maximum of two /three teeth properly in a particular area. That means if cavities are there in four completely different places, we have to take 4 separate films. Meaning 4 times we have to expose the child to X Rays.
Instead is it not better to take a single large film with single dose to see all the areas in the mouth?
That being said, dental Xrays make up just 1/10th of the environmental radiation a person is exposed to on a daily basis..
In addition, the child is draped with a lead apron and collar for extra protection.
In conclusion, an OPG is completely safe. And completely required, if the full mouth is to be seen at one go.
Kidz ‘N’ Teenz introduces the world’s smallest OPG machine to address the patient’s time and travel issues. We are upgrading to provide all treatment in house