OPG and CBCT scans at tooth.

What is an OPG or CBCT scan?

An OPG and are CBCT scan are very different things, even though they use the same high tech scanning machine. Both are used to give a dentist a better view and understanding of the positioning of your teeth, bone and nerves before carrying out certain treatments. They are typically required before things like surgical extractions, Wisdom Tooth Extractions, Dental Implants and some Endodontics (Root canal Treatments).

Both an OPG and CBCT require a prescription from the Dentist or a Specialist Dentist. There must be clinical need. Your Dentist may suggest this scan to plan a treatment when a normal x-ray isn’t sufficient. The scanning machines are very expensive and take specialist training to operate, so most dental practices do not have their own OPG or CBCT scanners. That’s why at tooth dental care we take OPG referrals and CBCT referrals from other dentists. We can complete the scan and send the images to your usual dentist so that they can continue your treatment. Your dentist just has to complete a referral form and we will manage the whole process for you.

An OPG or Orthopantomogram x-ray is, in simple terms, a much wider 2D x ray that shows the entire upper and lower jaw in more detail. This gives the dentist a much better view of your jaw structure.

A CBCT or Cone Beam CT scan is a 3D scan that shows the area scanned in great detail (the dentist will advise which kind of scan area you need). With this scan, the Dentist can ‘explore around’ the area, look at the position of teeth, bones, nerves etc. This technique is especially useful for complex treatments.

Top 5 reasons for having an OPG or CBCT scan: (as mentioned you must be referred by our Dentists or your dentist).

  1. Planning Dental Implants

  2. Complicated Endodontics (root canal treatments)

  3. Oral Surgery – such as surgical extractions

  4. Surgical Wisdom Teeth Extractions

  5. To investigate ongoing pain issues when other diagnoses haven’t resolved the issue

What types of OPG and CBCT Scans can I get at tooth?

At tooth we offer standard OPG x-rays/scans and a variety of CBCT scan types - based on the area that you need scanning as advised by your Dentist or Specialist Dentist. These include:

  • OPG Panoramic X Ray

  • CBCT Single Arch

  • CBCT Double Arch

  • CBCT Sectional

  • CBCT Quadrant

  • CBCT Triple Scan

How much are OPG scans and CBCT scans at tooth in London?

  • OPG Panoramic X Ray £50

  • CBCT Single Arch £110

  • CBCT Double Arch £170

  • CBCT Sectional £90

  • CBCT Quadrant £100

  • CBCT Triple Scan £215

What should I expect if I am having an OPG or CBCT scan?

The process is very straight forward - you will be taken to the scanning room at our practice at 46 Lower Marsh, by one of our Dentists or qualified scanning professionals. They will confirm details with you and position you in the scanner. It’s completely open so nothing to be scared of at all. You simply stand with your hands gently gripping the hand bars, and your chin on the chin rest. Once set up, for CBCTs they will take a scout image. This is a super low radiation dose scan to check positioning before taking the full image. Our machine runs on significantly lower radiation doses than many other older machines, even for the final HD scan.

The operator will leave the room and press a button. You just stay still until they return, which is usually not more than one minute. The unit will move around your head to get the complete image, so it’s important you don’t move during the process.

Your Dentist will then review the scans and will advise of the next steps of your treatment. If you have been referred for an OPG or referred for a CBCT then we will forward the image to your referring dentist and they will be in touch directly re your next steps.

Many people ask us to send them their CBCT scan. Whilst we are happy to do this, to analyse a CBCT requires specialist software and training and unfortunately it is unlikely you’ll be able to open the CBCT files to view them.

How do I book for an OPG or CBCT scan?

Booking for an OPG or CBCT scan at tooth is quick and easy - you will need a referral from your dentist or our Dentists. Our reception team will supply your dentist with a form and will help you quickly and efficiently. Just click here or press the book now button below and we will get back to you very quickly - usually within a couple of hours during our opening times.

Alternatively, you can even WhatsApp us or call us on 020 7928 2875 (messages only on WhatsApp- we cannot take WhatsApp audio calls).