Dental Panoramic Tomograph
Also written as: DPT — Dental Panoramic Tomograph
A wide-field extraoral radiograph showing all teeth, the jaws, and surrounding structures in a single flattened image; the formal name for an OPG.
Full Definition
A dental panoramic tomograph (DPT), commonly referred to by the trade name OPG (orthopantomogram), is an extraoral rotational radiographic projection that images both dental arches and the supporting jaw structures on a single film or sensor. It is used for assessment of impacted teeth, cysts, bone pathology, temporomandibular joints, and for treatment planning in implantology and oral surgery. Editors should be aware that 'OPG' is technically a proprietary eponym and 'DPT' or 'panoramic radiograph' is preferred in formal clinical and academic writing. The image inherently has lower resolution than intraoral radiographs, a fact relevant when editing radiographic interpretation sections.
Usage
Usage note: Prefer 'DPT' or 'panoramic radiograph' over 'OPG' in formal writing; expand all abbreviations on first use.
In Context
- "A dental panoramic tomograph was requested to assess the position of the impacted lower-left wisdom tooth prior to surgical referral." — Referral letter
- "The journal's instructions to authors request 'panoramic radiograph' or 'DPT' rather than the proprietary term 'OPG'." — Author guidelines