A panoramic X-ray (RVG), also known as an orthopantomogram, is an important part of dental care and diagnostics.
Along with an oral examination, an RVG provides your dentist with a more complete insight into what is happening inside your mouth.
In this week’s blog from Dental Center 4Smile, find out what an RVG is, its purpose, what can be detected with it, whether it is safe in terms of radiation, and when it is necessary to have one taken.
What is an RVG?
An RVG (OPG) is an X-ray image of both jaws and is used as a basic diagnostic tool for creating a treatment plan in dentistry.
It provides a radiographic overview of both jaws.
In modern dentistry, digital RVG, along with clinical examinations, are among the fundamental diagnostic tools.
What is the purpose of an RVG and what can be detected with a panoramic X-ray?
The main purpose of an RVG, or panoramic dental X-ray, is to diagnose dental infections.
Dentist Ivan Antolković uses X-ray results to identify signs of infection even before they become obvious. This makes it possible to treat conditions early, before they worsen and require more advanced treatment.
An RVG reveals parts of your mouth that a dentist cannot see with the naked eye, producing a clear image that shows differences in soft tissues.
Dentist Ivan Antolković can diagnose or detect gum disease, cavities, inflammation, and other oral complications at an early stage.
Some studies show that if a dentist relies only on visual examinations, there is an 80% chance you may develop cavities.
An RVG is also used to examine the roots, jaws, and other structures inside the mouth.
Additionally, an OPG may be used in the initial diagnostic stage to determine whether you are a candidate for dental implants or orthodontic treatment.
Is an RVG safe in terms of radiation?
Many people wonder whether X-rays are safe because they expose patients to radiation.
The amount of radiation used in dental radiography is very small.
Moreover, the fastest image receptors are used (i.e., the fastest film speed or digital speed); the X-ray beam is reduced to the size of the image receptor whenever possible; correct exposure techniques and processing are applied; and protective measures such as lead aprons and thyroid collars are used whenever possible.
Most patients who come to Dental Center 4Smile have their RVGs taken at our partners, ZubX, radiology professionals.
All devices are brand new (manufactured in 2015), have valid permits from the State Office for Radiological and Nuclear Safety, and are regularly maintained.
The X-ray rooms—walls and doors—are lined with 1 mm lead sheets, inspected and approved by the Ruđer Bošković Institute.
During imaging, additional protective measures are applied: lead aprons with 0.3 mm lead equivalence, thyroid shields, and gonadal aprons.
Devices are operated by medical radiology engineers who have also received additional training in dental diagnostics under the standards of Prof. Paris Simeon.
When imaging children, special programs are used, which include shorter exposure times and further reduced radiation doses.
The Soredex Minidose function allows us to reduce the already low dose of today’s digital technology to even lower, minimal levels.
Patient safety is our top priority, and we dedicate the utmost care to it!
When should you have an RVG taken?
An RVG should be taken during a patient’s first dental examination so that the dentist gains a clear overview of the current condition of the teeth and jaws and can create an accurate treatment plan.
For an RVG to be a truly effective diagnostic tool, it should not be older than six months at the time of the initial examination.
In other cases, an RVG is only taken upon the dentist’s recommendation.
