glossary of terms
OPG (Orthopantomograph) is a panoramic single x-ray that shows the entire mouth - both upper and lower jaws. It is an excellent screening tool but does not match the accuracy or detail of individual small "intraoral" x-rays.
CT (Computerised tomography also known as CAT scan) is a computerised x-ray procedure that produces cross sectional images of various parts of the body. The images are far more detailed than x-ray films and can reveal disease or abnormalities in tissue and bone. The procedure is painless and very brief. Modern CT machines use very little radiation.