OPG stands for Orthopantomogram, which is a panoramic scanning dental X-ray of the upper and lower jaw. It is also sometimes called Orthopantomagraph or Panorex. An OPG is a 2D imaging procedure that captures a wide, two-dimensional image of the entire mouth in a single scan. It shows a flattened two-dimensional view of the teeth, jaws, TMJ, sinuses, and surrounding structures. An OPG also demonstrates the number, position, and growth of all the teeth, including those that have not yet surfaced or erupted through the gum. It is different from the small close-up X-rays dentists take of individual teeth. It shows less fine detail but a much broader area of view, which can be particularly useful to check hard-to-see areas like wisdom teeth or the development of a childs jaw and teeth. An OPG is often used to check the jaw joint, the TMJ (temperomandibular joint), especially if you grind your teeth. The principal advantage of panoramic images/OPGs is that they provide broad coverage of facial bones and teeth, including the TMJ, with low patient radiation dose and convenience of examination for the patient. An OPG usually takes about 3 minutes to complete, only 20 seconds of which are the image being taken. OPG X-rays may be carried out to diagnose or monitor cavities within teeth, fractures, jaw dislocation, infection, tumors, sinuses, teeth impaction, and to help plan orthodontic treatment, identify and evaluate wisdom teeth development, and attain a brief overview of a persons dental health.