What is the main purpose of performing an OPG?

The main purpose of performing an OPG, or orthopantomogram, is to view dental arches and surrounding structures in one image. This type of panoramic X-ray provides a comprehensive overview of the entire mouth, including teeth, the upper and lower jaw, sinuses, and the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). This broad visualization is particularly useful for assessing the overall dental health of a patient, facilitating treatment planning, and identifying issues that may not be apparent in individual tooth X-rays.

In contrast to this, examining bite alignment typically requires different types of assessments, such as more focused bite assessments or occlusal X-rays that specifically look at how the upper and lower teeth come together. Assessing orthodontic treatment options can be informed by an OPG, but it is not its primary function; instead, OPGs are often used as part of a broader clinical assessment. Detecting cavities can also be accomplished through OPGs, but they are generally better captured with periapical or bitewing X-rays, which provide more detailed images of individual teeth rather than a panoramic view.