What Is an OPG?
An OPG is a single panoramic image of the whole mouth: all the teeth, both jaws, the jaw joints and the sinuses, laid out flat. It is quick and uses a low radiation dose. Because it squeezes curved, three-dimensional anatomy onto a flat image, parts of it are stretched or overlapping, and it cannot show depth or the width of the bone.
- Good for: a general overview, checking wisdom teeth, spotting large areas of decay or bone loss, screening before treatment
- Limits: no 3D detail, some distortion, cannot measure bone width
What Is a CBCT Scan?
A CBCT scanner rotates around the head once and builds a three-dimensional image. The dentist can then view the bone and teeth in any direction and take measurements.
- Good for: implant planning, bone grafting and sinus lift planning, complex or failed root canals, cracked teeth, wisdom teeth near the nerve, cysts and other jaw lesions
- Shows: bone height, width and density, the exact path of the jaw nerve, the sinus floor, root shapes and hidden canals
Radiation: How They Compare
Both use low doses compared with medical imaging. A CBCT dose is higher than an OPG, but much lower than a medical CT scan of the head, and the scanned area can be limited to just the region needed. Good practice is to take a CBCT only when the 3D information will change the treatment decision.
Which One Will You Need?
Many patients only ever need routine X-rays or an OPG. A CBCT is recommended when the answer depends on three-dimensional detail.
- Dental implants: CBCT, to measure the bone and keep clear of nerves and sinuses
- Wisdom teeth close to the nerve on an X-ray: CBCT before surgery
- A root canal that has failed, or a suspected crack: CBCT
- General check-up or overview: routine X-rays or an OPG
CBCT and OPG at Our Kothrud Centre
Our in-house CBCT machine takes both scans: a 3D CBCT and a panoramic OPG. That means we can choose the scan that answers your question, using the lower-dose OPG when a 3D view is not needed, and the scan, its review and your treatment plan all happen in one place. A CBCT scan takes well under a minute, and the scan and report usually take 20–30 minutes. The CBCT scan fee is ₹3,800–₹5,000, depending on the scan required.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a CBCT scan safe?
Yes, when it is clinically justified. Its dose is higher than an OPG but much lower than a medical CT scan, and the scanned area can be limited to what is needed.
Can an OPG replace a CBCT for implants?
An OPG gives a useful overview, but it cannot measure bone width or show the nerve in 3D. A CBCT is the standard for planning implants safely.
How much does a CBCT scan cost in Pune?
At our Kothrud centre, a CBCT scan costs ₹3,800–₹5,000, depending on the scan required.
Do I need to prepare for a CBCT scan?
No special preparation is needed. You remove jewellery, glasses and removable dental appliances before the scan.
An OPG and a CBCT are tools for different jobs. The OPG gives a broad, low-dose overview; the CBCT gives precise 3D detail when a decision depends on it. Your dentist should be able to explain why a particular scan is needed for your treatment.