OPG

Medical abbreviation · Medical Imaging

OPG
Stands forOrthopantomogram
CategoriesMedical

OPG stands for Orthopantomogram, a medical imaging abbreviation.

Panoramic dental X-ray that captures all the teeth, both jaws, the temporomandibular joints and the maxillary sinuses in one image as the X-ray tube rotates around the head. Dentists and oral surgeons use it to assess wisdom teeth, jaw fractures, cysts and overall dental health.

Example: OPG shows impacted lower third molars bilaterally, close to the inferior alveolar canals.

Usage notes

Also called OPT, panoramic radiograph or "Panorex", a brand name that became generic. The image is a curved-plane tomogram, so structures outside the focal trough look blurred or distorted. Fine detail of tooth decay is better shown on intraoral bitewing films.

More medical imaging abbreviations

  • MBS – Modified barium swallow
  • MR – Magnetic resonance
  • MRA – Magnetic resonance angiography
  • MRI – Magnetic resonance imaging
  • MRV – Magnetic resonance venography
  • NCCT – Non-contrast computed tomography
  • PA – Posteroanterior
  • PACS – Picture archiving and communication system
  • PET – Positron emission tomography
  • PET-CT – Positron emission tomography-computed tomography
  • PI-RADS – Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System
  • POCUS – Point-of-care ultrasound

See all 58 medical imaging abbreviations →

This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.