Discover Hidden Jaw Changes with an OPG X-Ray at Butler. (08) 9544 3999

Author : crystal radiology | Published On : 14 Sep 2026

Your teeth may look healthy when you smile, but some dental and jaw problems can develop beneath the surface. Changes affecting the jawbone, tooth roots, impacted teeth and surrounding structures may not always be visible during a routine visual examination. This is where an OPG X-ray can provide your dentist with a broader view of your oral and jaw health.

An OPG, or orthopantomogram, is a panoramic dental X-ray that captures images of the upper and lower jaws, teeth and surrounding structures in one examination. If your dentist has recommended an OPG X-ray at Butler, the scan can provide useful diagnostic information to help investigate hidden changes and support appropriate dental treatment planning.

Why Can Jaw and Bone Changes Be Hidden?

Many dental problems begin beneath the gum line or inside the jawbone. You may not experience obvious symptoms until a condition has progressed.

For example, an impacted wisdom tooth may remain hidden within the jaw for years. Similarly, changes in the bone surrounding teeth may not be visible simply by looking inside the mouth.

An OPG allows dental professionals to see areas that cannot be assessed through a visual examination alone. This can help identify findings that may require further investigation.

However, an OPG is not designed to diagnose every dental or jaw condition. Depending on your symptoms and clinical findings, your dentist may recommend additional dental X-rays or other imaging.

What Hidden Changes Can an OPG Reveal?

1. Impacted Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom teeth do not always have enough room to erupt normally. They may become impacted beneath the gum or grow at an unusual angle.

An OPG can show the position of wisdom teeth and help your dentist assess their relationship with surrounding teeth and structures.

Your dentist may recommend an OPG when you have:

• Jaw discomfort
• Swelling around a wisdom tooth
• Difficulty opening your mouth
• Recurrent gum inflammation
• A wisdom tooth that has not erupted normally

2. Changes in Jawbone

The jawbone provides essential support for your teeth. Bone changes may occur because of periodontal disease, infection, trauma or other conditions.

An OPG can provide an overview of the jawbone and may help your dentist identify areas that require closer assessment.

For patients with suspected periodontal disease, however, an OPG should be interpreted alongside clinical examination and periodontal measurements. More detailed dental X-rays may sometimes be needed to evaluate specific areas of bone loss.

3. Dental Infections

Dental infections can sometimes extend beyond the tooth and affect surrounding bone. If your dentist suspects a deeper infection, an OPG may provide useful information about the affected area.

Possible symptoms of a dental infection include:

• Persistent toothache
• Facial or jaw swelling
• Sensitivity
• Pain when chewing
• Fever
• Gum swelling

An OPG may help identify changes associated with an infection, although additional imaging may be required depending on the situation.

4. Cysts and Other Abnormalities

Some cysts and other abnormalities can develop within the jaw without causing noticeable symptoms in their early stages.

An OPG may reveal an unusual area that your dentist can investigate further. Depending on its appearance and location, additional imaging or specialist assessment may be recommended.

5. Tooth Development and Position

OPG imaging can be particularly useful for assessing the development and position of teeth.

For children and teenagers, an OPG may help dental professionals evaluate:

• Developing permanent teeth
• Missing teeth
• Delayed eruption
• Impacted teeth
• Tooth position
• Wisdom teeth development

This information can be valuable when planning orthodontic or other dental treatment.

When Might Your Dentist Recommend an OPG?

Your dentist may recommend an OPG for a range of reasons, including:

• Investigating unexplained jaw pain
• Assessing wisdom teeth
• Planning orthodontic treatment
• Evaluating tooth development
• Investigating suspected infection
• Assessing jawbone changes
• Planning certain dental procedures
• Evaluating the jaw following trauma
• Investigating an abnormal finding from a dental examination

An OPG X-ray at Butler may therefore form an important part of your overall dental assessment when panoramic imaging is clinically appropriate.

OPG X-Ray for Dental Treatment Planning

An OPG can provide your dentist with a valuable overview before certain treatments. Seeing the teeth, jawbones and surrounding structures together can help with planning and deciding whether further imaging is required.

It may be used as part of assessment for:

• Wisdom tooth treatment
• Orthodontic treatment
• Dental implants
• Certain oral surgery procedures
• Investigation of jaw abnormalities
• Follow-up assessment

The exact type of imaging required will depend on your dental condition and the information your dentist needs.

Why Choose Butler Medical Imaging?

If your dentist has referred you for panoramic dental imaging, Butler Medical Imaging provides diagnostic imaging services in a professional and patient-focused environment.

An OPG X-ray at Butler can provide your referring dental professional with a broad image of your teeth and jaw, helping them investigate hidden changes that may not be visible during a standard examination.

Your dentist will interpret the imaging findings together with your symptoms, dental examination and medical history to determine the most appropriate next steps.

Book Your OPG X-Ray at Butler Medical Imaging

Not every dental or jaw problem can be seen by simply looking in the mirror. An OPG provides a panoramic view that can help reveal changes involving teeth, jawbones and surrounding structures.

If your dentist has recommended an OPG X-ray at Butler, contact Butler Medical Imaging to enquire about your appointment and take the next step in your dental assessment.

Please ensure that you have your Medicare card and referral with you and pop into our location for your consultation. If you have any questions at all, please feel free to contact us at +61 8 9544 3999 as we are here to help.