OPG Scan In London
An OPG scan, also known as a panoramic dental X-ray, provides a complete image of your upper and lower jaws, teeth, and surrounding bone structure. At 3Beam Imaging Centre in Harley Street, London, we use advanced digital OPG technology to deliver high-resolution images with minimal radiation exposure.
An OPG unit rotates smoothly around your head during the scan — the process takes around 20 seconds and is completely painless.
What an OPG X-Ray Can Detect
An OPG X-ray is an essential diagnostic tool used by dentists, orthodontists, and oral surgeons to assess a wide range of dental and jaw conditions, including:
- Dental fractures
- Dislocated jaw
- Infection
- Face trauma and fractures
- Impacted wisdom teeth
- Dentition (teeth)
- Dental evaluation for caries or pulp disease
- Trauma assessment for tooth or jaw fractures (broken tooth Xray)
- Sinusitis, periodontitis or periapical abscesses
- Tumour or radicular cyst
- Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) assessment for disease, fractures or dislocations
- Progressive evaluation of orthodontic treatment
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. The scan can be particularly useful to check and to see areas like wisdom teeth for impaction, or the development of a child’s jaw and teeth. It is often used to check your TMJ (temporomandibular joint), sometimes called the CMA (cranio-mandibular articulation) especially if you grind your teeth.
Benefits of an OPG X-Ray
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Comprehensive view of all teeth, jaws, and facial bones, including TMJ
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Very low radiation dose compared to conventional CT scans
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Quick and comfortable for patients with a strong gag reflex
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Suitable for limited mouth opening or restricted jaw movement
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Ideal for orthodontic, surgical, and diagnostic evaluations
Referrals and Bookings
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Dentists and healthcare professionals:
Register and refer your patient for an OPG X-Ray - Patients:
To discuss your OPG or dental X-ray requirements, please call us on 0207 637 8227
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a referral for an OPG scan at 3Beam? If you are a patient, your dentist, orthodontist, or doctor will refer you to us. If you are a dental or medical professional, you can register directly on our portal and refer your patients online. We do not accept walk-in self-referrals from patients without a clinical referral.
How long does an OPG scan take? The scan itself takes approximately 20 seconds. Your total appointment, including positioning and any necessary repeat images, is usually completed within 15 minutes.
Is an OPG scan safe? Yes. An OPG uses a very low dose of ionising radiation — significantly less than a standard medical X-ray and far less than a CT scan. All our exposures are justified and performed in accordance with IR(ME)R 2017 by our HCPC-registered radiographers.
Is an OPG scan safe during pregnancy? We advise informing us if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant before your appointment. In many cases the scan can still proceed with appropriate precautions, but this will be assessed on an individual basis by our radiographer.
What is the difference between an OPG and a CBCT scan? An OPG provides a two-dimensional panoramic image of the jaws and teeth and is ideal for a broad overview assessment. A CBCT (Cone Beam CT) provides a three-dimensional image with much greater detail and is used where more precise anatomical information is required, such as implant planning or endodontic assessment. Your referring clinician will determine which is appropriate for your clinical needs.
Can children have an OPG scan? Yes. OPG is commonly used to assess dental development, eruption patterns, and jaw growth in children. It is safe and well tolerated. A clinical referral from a dentist or orthodontist is required.
Where is 3Beam located? We are based at 86 Harley Street, London, W1G 7HP — a short walk from Regent's Park and Bond Street underground stations.
How quickly will my referring clinician receive the results? OPG images are typically available to your referring clinician via our secure portal on the same day.
What should I do to prepare for my OPG scan? Remove all jewellery, piercings, and metal items in the head and neck area before your appointment.
How much does an OPG scan cost? Please contact us on 0207 637 8227 or at info@3beam.co.uk for current pricing.
