FAQs

What is CBCT? Why do I need one?

CBCT or Cone Beam Computed Tomography is a form of low radiation 3 dimensional imaging designed specially for Dental and Maxillofacial Applications. This advanced imaging technology has markedly improved our ability to diagnose and treat several dental and jaw problems. Dental CBCT units have been optimized to make high quality images of your teeth and jaws. Dental CBCT examinations expose you to considerably less radiation than the CT scans made in hospital settings.

What is OPG? Why do I need one?

OPG or Orthopantomogram is an x-ray of all the teeth and both jaws —areas that are not seen when the dentist looks into your mouth. The information from these x-ray images (or radiographs) helps us diagnose dental decay, periodontal disease, and infections in your jaws. Your dentists needs this information in order to provide you with the best treatment options for your need.

What is the turnaround time for OPG and CBCT? When will I get my report?

For an OPG, we will give you the film for your x-ray soon after your procedure is done (about 10 mins). The x-ray image and report will also be mailed to you and your referring dentist at no extra cost. The turnaround time for the report will be 24 hours.

For CBCT, since there are a large number of images in each scan that need to be processed and viewed, the turnaround time is 24 hours and you will receive both the report and the images together. The images and report will also be mailed to you and your referring dentist at no extra cost.

Can a patient send their OPG or Scan for review?

Yes, you can send us your OPG for review by uploading a .jpeg image of your OPG to our portal. You can call one of our centers to know more.

For CBCT, you will have to ask your imaging center to send you the DICOM (*.dcm) files in a folder and then upload that folder to our portal. Our technologists can guide you through this process. Use contact us to speak to one of them.

Are x-rays and CBCT safe?

Dental x-ray images are made using low levels of radiation. The risks from these low levels of radiation exposure are relatively minimal. Nevertheless, at DMD IMAGING we minimize the radiation dose you receive using a variety of methods, including using digital technology, customizing the x-ray machine settings to your jaw size, and protecting you with lead aprons as appropriate.

What preparation do I need before an OPG or a Scan?

You do not require any special preparation before an x-ray or scan. Your referring Clinician will likely give you a prescription to indicate the information he or she needs from the radiologist; it would be helpful if you carry that.

You will be asked to remove any jewellery or other metal accessories in the hair and neck region before a scan or x-ray, as they interfere with the radiation. If you are wearing a removable denture you should inform the technologist about it before any exposures are done.

How much time will an OPG or Cone Beam CT take?

Typically an OPG exposure will take a few minutes. A CBCT scan will also take a few minutes depending on the size of scan required. After a CBCT scan you will be asked to wait a few minutes while we check and ascertain that the scan is adequate and that we have covered all the indicated areas to avoid needing a retake.