OPG Test

An OPG (Orthopantomogram) test is a panoramic dental X-ray that captures a single, two-dimensional image of your entire mouth — including all teeth, upper and lower jaws, and surrounding structures. It is a common first-line imaging tool in Bangladesh for evaluating wisdom teeth, jaw pain, and planning dental implants or tooth extractions. Unlike close-up dental X-rays, the OPG offers a broad overview, making it valuable for spotting problems that might not be visible during a routine exam.

What Is an OPG Test?

The full name is Orthopantomogram (often called a panoramic X-ray). It produces a two-dimensional film of the upper and lower jaws, the temporomandibular joints (TMJ), and the maxillary sinuses. This single image gives dentists and oral surgeons a comprehensive view of the mouth in one shot. However, it does not replace detailed intraoral X-rays for diagnosing individual cavities or root problems — it is a screening and planning tool, not a substitute for close-up dental films.

When Is an OPG Test Recommended?

Your dentist or oral surgeon may suggest an OPG for several common reasons:

• Impacted wisdom teeth – to see their position and relation to the mandibular nerve.
• Jaw pain or swelling – to check for fractures, cysts, or tumours.
• Dental implant planning – to measure bone height and quality.
• Orthodontic assessment – to evaluate tooth alignment and jaw development.
• Suspected TMJ disorders – to assess joint health.
• Periodontal disease – to estimate bone loss around teeth.
• Sinus conditions – to see if dental infection involves the maxillary sinus.

It is also used before tooth extractions to check root anatomy and nerve proximity.

How Is the OPG Test Performed?

The procedure is straightforward and takes about 20 seconds. You will stand or sit with your chin resting on a small support while the X-ray machine rotates around your head. You need to stay still and bite gently on a plastic fork-like device to keep your teeth aligned. It is completely painless — no needles, sedation, or special preparation beyond removing metal objects such as jewellery, glasses, dentures, or hearing aids. The technician will give you a lead apron to protect your body, though the radiation exposure is minimal.

What Does the OPG Test Show?

The panoramic image reveals:

• Impacted or unerupted teeth (especially wisdom teeth)
• Jaw fractures and dislocations
• Cysts, tumours, or other bone lesions
• Sinus pathology (e.g., maxillary sinusitis related to dental infection)
• Bone resorption from periodontal disease
• TMJ abnormalities

It does not show fine detail like early cavities or root fractures — those require smaller intraoral X-rays. The OPG is best for a big-picture assessment.

Is the OPG Test Safe? Radiation Exposure

Yes, an OPG uses a low dose of radiation. The effective dose is roughly 0.01–0.03 millisieverts (mSv), which is less than you would receive from a chest X-ray and similar to a transatlantic flight. By comparison, a dental CT scan gives 0.1–1.5 mSv. For most adults, the benefit of detecting a serious problem far outweighs the very small risk. However, because even low radiation is best avoided during pregnancy, the test is only done in pregnant women when absolutely necessary. If you are or might be pregnant, tell your dentist beforehand.

How Much Does an OPG Test Cost in Bangladesh?

In Bangladesh, prices vary depending on the city, the facility (private lab vs. hospital), and whether the cost is bundled with a dental consultation. The table below shows typical price ranges.

Approximate Cost of OPG Test in Bangladesh

Service / Item	Approx. BDT Range	Notes
OPG test alone (private diagnostic centre)	500 – 1,200 ৳	Common in Dhaka, Chittagong, Sylhet
OPG test in private dental clinic	800 – 1,500 ৳	Often includes digital image file
OPG test in hospital radiology department	1,200 – 2,500 ৳	Corporate hospitals may charge more
OPG + dental consultation package	1,000 – 2,000 ৳	Ask if the clinic offers this bundle

Prices change over time and by location, so always confirm the current fee with the provider before booking.

Where Can You Get an OPG Test in Bangladesh?

OPG machines are now widely available. Many private dental clinics in Dhaka, Chittagong, Sylhet, Khulna, Rajshahi, and other divisional cities have in-house panoramic X-ray units. Independent diagnostic centres also offer the test without a referral, though you should still discuss the results with a dentist. Public medical college hospitals may provide the test at subsidised rates, but waiting times can be longer.

Find a General Surgeon by Division in Bangladesh

If your OPG reveals a condition that requires surgical treatment — such as impacted wisdom teeth, a jaw cyst, or dental implant placement — a qualified general surgeon can help. Use the table below to locate experienced surgeons in your division.

Division	Find a doctor
Dhaka / ঢাকা	General Surgeon Doctors in Dhaka
Chattogram / চট্টগ্রাম	Top General Surgeon Doctors in Chattogram
Khulna / খুলনা	Popular General Surgeon Doctors in Khulna
Rajshahi / রাজশাহী	General Surgeon Specialists in Rajshahi
Rangpur / রংপুর	General Surgeons in Rangpur
Sylhet / সিলেট	Best General Surgeon Doctors in Sylhet
Barishal / বরিশাল	Barishal General Surgeon Doctors
Mymensingh / ময়মনসিংহ	Popular General Surgeon Doctors in Mymensingh

You can also look for Laparoscopic Surgeons in Dhaka if a minimally invasive procedure is recommended.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need any special preparation before an OPG test?

No special preparation like fasting or medication changes is required. However, you should remove any metal objects from your head and neck area — including earrings, necklaces, hairpins, glasses, and dentures with metal clasps — because metal can interfere with the X-ray image. Inform the technician if you have any fixed metal dental work (like braces or implants) so they can adjust the scan settings if needed.

Can pregnant women undergo an OPG test?

Although the radiation dose from an OPG is very low, pregnant women should inform their dentist or doctor before the test. In most cases, routine dental X-rays are postponed until after delivery unless there is an urgent dental problem (such as severe infection or trauma) that could harm the mother or baby. The final decision should be made jointly with your obstetrician and dentist after weighing the risks and benefits.

How long does the OPG test take?

The actual scan takes only about 10 to 20 seconds. The entire appointment — including positioning, explanation, and image review — usually lasts 5 to 10 minutes. It is one of the quickest dental imaging procedures.

Is an OPG test painful?

No, the OPG test is completely painless. You will be asked to stand or sit still, bite on a plastic mouthpiece to keep your jaws apart, and hold your breath briefly during the scan. Some people may feel mild discomfort from the mouthpiece or from holding still, but there is no needle, injection, or invasive step involved.

What happens if the OPG shows an abnormality?

If the OPG reveals something unusual — such as an impacted tooth, cyst, tumor, jaw fracture, or signs of infection — your dentist or oral surgeon will discuss the findings with you. They may recommend additional imaging (like a CT scan or intraoral X-ray) for a closer look, or refer you to a specialist (oral surgeon, ENT doctor, or radiologist) for further evaluation. Treatment depends on the specific condition; do not assume an abnormality means surgery is immediately needed. Always ask your doctor to explain the findings in plain language.

Sources

The following sources are from international journals, government health agencies, or recognized medical organizations:

• Oral Radiology: Principles and Interpretation (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
• World Health Organization — OPG Test (who.int)
• MedlinePlus — OPG Test (medlineplus.gov)
• CDC — OPG Test (cdc.gov)
• NHS — OPG Test (nhs.uk)
• PubMed — OPG Test (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)