By Planora Imaging Centre, Pune | OPG vs CBCT Guide | Reading time: 5 min
When it comes to OPG vs CBCT, many patients aren’t sure which dental X-ray they actually need. Both are common in dentistry, but they serve very different purposes. In this guide, we break down the key differences in simple terms — so you and your dentist can make the right choice.
What is an OPG X-ray?
OPG stands for Orthopantomogram. Dentists also call it a panoramic X-ray or a dental panoramic radiograph.
An OPG captures a single wide X-ray image that shows:
- All your upper and lower teeth
- Both jaws (upper and lower)
- The temporomandibular joints (your jaw joints)
- The nasal area and sinuses
In other words, think of it as a full-picture overview of your entire mouth and jaw in one flat image — similar to a wide-angle photograph.
How is an OPG taken?
The process is simple and takes less than a minute. First, you stand in front of the OPG machine and bite gently on a small plastic bite piece. Then, you stay still while the machine rotates around your head. There’s no pain involved and no injections.
When is an OPG needed?
Your dentist may refer you for an OPG when they need to:
- Plan for a dental implant
- Assess wisdom teeth before removal
- Check the overall alignment of teeth for orthodontic treatment (braces)
- Evaluate bone loss in gum disease
- Get a general overview of your dental health
Overall, an OPG remains the most common dental X-ray, and it suits a wide range of routine and specialist situations.
What is a CBCT scan?
CBCT stands for Cone Beam Computed Tomography — a type of 3D X-ray that produces detailed three-dimensional images of your teeth, jaw, bone, and surrounding structures.
Unlike an OPG, which produces a flat 2D image, a CBCT scan gives your dentist a complete 3D model. As a result, they can view your anatomy from any angle, measure exact distances, and see structures that overlap or stay hidden on a regular X-ray.
How is a CBCT scan taken?
Similarly to an OPG, you simply stand or sit while the machine rotates around your head. The scan takes between 10 and 40 seconds, depending on the area being scanned, and it’s completely painless.
When is a CBCT scan needed?
Your dentist recommends CBCT when they need more detailed information than a 2D X-ray can provide. Common situations include:
- Dental implant planning — to measure exact bone height, width and density before placing an implant
- Root canal retreatment — to identify complex root anatomy, missed canals or fractures
- Impacted teeth — particularly wisdom teeth or canines buried in the bone
- Jaw joint (TMJ) problems — to assess the joint in 3D
- Orthodontic planning — especially for complex cases or skeletal discrepancies
- Sinus and airway assessment
OPG vs CBCT — Key Differences at a Glance
| OPG | CBCT | |
|---|---|---|
| Image type | 2D (flat) | 3D (volumetric) |
| Scan time | Under 1 minute | 10–40 seconds |
| Detail level | Good overview | High detail |
| Radiation dose | Very low | Low (slightly more than OPG) |
| Best for | Routine assessment | Complex planning |
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
Which one do you need, OPG vs CBCT?
Ultimately, your dentist or dental specialist decides based on your clinical situation.
In many cases, an OPG works well. It gives a clear overall picture and serves as the right starting point for most dental assessments. However, when your dentist needs precise measurements, 3D information, or a view of structures that a flat image can’t show clearly, a CBCT becomes the better choice.
At Planora Imaging Centre, Dr. Salunke personally reviews and writes every report — an MDS-qualified specialist in Oral Medicine and Radiology. This means your referring dentist doesn’t just receive images; they receive a detailed written report from a specialist, which helps them make the most accurate clinical decision for your treatment.
Is the radiation safe?
Both OPG and CBCT use very low doses of radiation. For example, an OPG exposes you to roughly the same amount of radiation as a short-haul flight. A CBCT scan carries a slightly higher dose, but it still falls well within international guidelines for diagnostic imaging.
At Planora Imaging Centre, we use modern digital equipment calibrated to deliver the lowest possible dose while maintaining image quality. As a result, we only perform scans that are clinically justified — we never recommend a scan unless it’s necessary.
Both OPG and CBCT use very low doses of radiation, well within international radiation protection guidelines such as those published by the SEDENTEXCT project for dental CBCT use
Frequently Asked Questions (OPG vs CBCT)
Can I request a CBCT instead of an OPG?
You can request one, but our specialist will assess it first. If an OPG suits your clinical need, we’ll advise you accordingly, since we don’t perform scans that aren’t clinically indicated.
How long does it take to get my report?
We deliver OPG reports the same day, while CBCT reports typically take up to 24 hours. Dr. Manasi Kajale Salunke — MDS specialist in Oral Medicine and Radiology — writes every report.
Do I need to do anything to prepare for the scan?
No — you don’t need any special preparation. Just remove any metal jewellery, glasses, or hairpins before the scan.
Can children have OPG or CBCT scans?
Yes. We commonly perform OPG scans in children for orthodontic and developmental assessment. However, we only use CBCT in children when strictly necessary, and always with the smallest field of view and lowest dose setting.
Where to get your OPG or CBCT in Pune
Planora Imaging Centre serves as Pune’s dedicated dental radiodiagnostic unit, located at:
214, 2nd Floor, Gera Junction, Borade Nagar, Lullanagar, Pune 411040
We stay open Monday to Saturday, 10:30 AM to 7:30 PM.
To book an appointment, call or WhatsApp us on +91 97300 76223.
A qualified dental radiologist reports every scan — giving your dentist the clarity they need to treat you with confidence.
Dr. Manasi Kajale Salunke, MDS — Oral Medicine and Radiology, Government Dental College and Hospital, Mumbai — leads Planora Imaging Centre, Pune’s exclusive dental radiodiagnostic unit.
