OPG (Orthopantogram)

It is a panoramic scanning dental x ray of the upper and the lower jaw.

Diagnostic uses
OPG are used by Dentists to provide information on:

• Impacted wisdom teeth
• Periodontal bone loss
• Finding the source of dental pain
• Assessment for the placement of dental implants
• Orthodontic assessment

Principal advantage of panoramic images

• Broad coverage of facial bones and teeth.
• Low patient radiation dose.
• Convenience of examination for the patient (films need not be placed inside the mouth).
• Ability to be used in patients who cannot open the mouth or when the opening is restricted e.g.: due to trismus.
• Short time required for making the image.
• Patient’s ready understandability of panoramic films, making them a useful visual aid in patient education and case presentation.

PERIO LASER

Periodontal disease starts off as plaque, an opaque film which eventually hardens, forming tartar or calculus.  In early stages, this is called Gingivitis, characterized by red, swollen gums that bleed when you brush your teeth. Unchecked, Gingivitis progresses to Periodontitis, a much more serious form of the disease where periodontal pockets are formed, separating teeth from the gums and supporting bone structure.

Without treatment, infection becomes severe and the pockets are formed. The way to repair the damage is to get rid of the infection and close up the pockets. Until now, that meant surgery and sutures.

But today, many dentists offer the LANAP® Protocol, a patient-friendly, minimally-invasive procedure that’s a great improvement over standard gum surgery.  resulting in tooth loss.

ADVANTAGES:

The following are specific advantages and indications for this approach in treating periodontal disease:

• High gummy smile lines / short looking front teeth
• Very sensitive gums and teeth
• Loose, shifting, drifting, and moving teeth
• Swollen and bleeding gums
• Bone loss and infection around dental implants
• When patients fear traditional periodontal surgery
• When a patient has recurrent periodontal infections and recurrent periodontal disease
• When someone is on blood thinners such as Aspirin, Coumadin, or Plavix