Orthopantomography, more commonly known as dental overview, is a radiological examination that allows to obtain an image of the teeth, of the dental arches and of the maxillary and mandibular bones. Observing this image, the dentist is able to assess the alignment of the arches and to identify any cavities that have escaped the visual examination, granulomas, cysts, radicular fractures, bone resorption, including teeth, etc.
The dental overview can therefore be considered a first-level examination, useful for obtaining a general picture of the state of health of the stomatognathic apparatus, so as to formulate a correct diagnosis and define the most appropriate therapeutic course.
HOW THE EXAM IS EXECUTED
During the orthopantomographic examination, depending on the instrumentation used, the patient may be standing or sitting. In general, the patient's chin is housed on a special support to avoid head movements during the examination; also the forehead and the temples can be kept in position by supports, while the hands can hold two special handles.
The execution of the dental overview also includes the insertion of a small plastic support in the patient's mouth, which must be tightened between the front incisors for a few seconds, as indicated by the operator. This care ensures the correct position and immovability of the head.
PREPARATION
No exam preparation is required, which generally ends in less than 5 minutes (the actual detection phase lasts a few seconds).
The only important recommendation is to keep the head immobile during the examination, since any movements would cause blurring of the image and the need to repeat the orthopantomography (with consequent greater exposure to X-rays).
Any tongue or lip piercings should be removed before taking the exam; similar for mobile dental prostheses, glasses, earrings, hearing aids, wigs and necklaces.
SAFETY
Dental overview is not painful ; at the most a slight discomfort may result from the insertion between the teeth of the special disposable plastic bite, which will in any case be kept in position only for a few seconds.
Like all radiological examinations, the dental overview also uses X-rays. Although the dose of ionizing radiation is extremely low, as a precautionary measure it is good to apply to the patient a shielding bodice to protect the chest and neck.
Furthermore, pregnant women, whether real or even presumed, must first inform the operator of their pregnancy, since in this case it will be necessary to postpone the examination or take the necessary precautions.
After a dental overview, the dentist may require more precise and detailed X-ray examinations, such as a dental CT scan, necessary to clarify any doubts or for better treatment planning.
