X-Ray

Medical x-ray

Medical x-rays are used to generate images of structures inside the body

X-rays are a fast, painless, and widely used imaging technique that allows doctors to view the inside of the body—especially bones and certain tissues. They use a small amount of ionizing radiation to create images that help diagnose, monitor, and treat medical conditions.

Why They're Done:

  • Detect fractures, dislocations, or bone infections

  • Diagnose lung conditions (like pneumonia or tumors)

  • Identify digestive tract issues

  • Locate foreign objects in the body

  • Monitor progress of healing or treatment

Common Types of X-rays:

  • Chest X-ray
  • Bone and joint X-ray
  • Abdominal X-ray
  • Dental X-ray
  • Mammogram (breast X-ray)

What to Expect:

You’ll be positioned between an X-ray machine and a detector. The scan is quick and painless—usually done in just a few minutes. In some cases, a contrast dye may be used to highlight certain areas.

Preparation:

Usually none. You may be asked to remove jewelry or wear a gown. Always inform your provider if you are pregnant or may be pregnant.

OPG x-ray

Orthopantomagram is a panoramic scanning dental X-ray of the upper and lower jaw.

OPG X-ray, or Orthopantomogram, is a panoramic dental X-ray that provides a broad view of the entire lower face. It captures all the teeth in both the upper and lower jaws, as well as the jawbone, sinuses, and temporomandibular joints (TMJ), in a single image.

Why They're Done:

  • Evaluate wisdom teeth and tooth development
  • Detect impacted teeth, cysts, or jaw disorders
  • Plan orthodontic or surgical treatments
  • Assess TMJ (jaw joint) issues
  • Monitor dental health in children and adults

How It Works:

The machine rotates around your head while you stand or sit still, capturing a wide-angle image of your mouth and jaw. It uses a low dose of radiation and takes just a few seconds.

What to Expect:

  • Quick, painless procedure

  • You may be asked to remove glasses or jewelry

  • A bite block may be used to position your jaw correctly

Preparation:

Minimal preparation is needed. Just follow the technician’s instructions and avoid wearing metal near the head and neck area.