Basically, it is a digital X-ray machine specifically designed for dental examinations.
OPG (Orthopantomography) – X-ray of the whole mouth
CBCT (Cone Beam Computed Tomography) – CT-scan specifically designed for the mouth with small FOV for better focus
Cephalogram – is an imaging technique used to profile the relationship between the teeth-jaw-skull and the soft tissues around it.
It is all the same with Digital X-rays but only more focused on the mouth and has a receptor that turns around over the patient's head. The patient will be asked to stand along with the machine, bite the stick apparatus used as centering point, hold on to the handle for support and not move. Once the scan starts, images will be produced immediately and be ready for viewing once the scan is finished.
Sometimes these patients need extra motivation or extra effort to complete an x-ray. A parent or significant others are most of the time asked to hold, restrain or at least stay with the patient while being x-rayed. This person will be given proper protective measures and will not be exposed directly. Importantly this person must not be pregnant.
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