Dental imaging is the use of x-rays to examine a patient’s dental structures.
Dental imaging is the use of x-rays to examine a patient’s dental structures.
At Lake Imaging, we offer a number of specialized dental imaging examinations to produce optimum quality images for your dentist. We offer OPG & Lateral Cephalogram as well as Cone Beam CT.
In some circumstances more than one examination may be needed to get all the images required.
There is no specific preparation required for your dental imaging.
You will need to bring your referral to the appointment and any other imaging films or reports.
If you are, or may be pregnant, please inform our radiology team before your examination.
You may be asked to remove any jewellery or metal items from your head and neck area including hair accessories, dentures and plates.
Dental imaging is a non-invasive, painless and quick procedure. You shouldn’t experience any discomfort.
You will be able to resume normal activities after your dental imaging. One of our radiologists will interpret the scan and provide your referring doctor with a comprehensive report about the findings. The results of your scan will be sent directly to your referring doctor, and it is very important you book a timely follow-up appointment to discuss your results.
An OPG (orthopantomogram) is a radiology modality that provides a panoramic x-ray of the upper and lower jaw including the teeth, maxillary sinuses, and temporomandibular joints. OPGs may be used to assess:
A Lat Ceph (Lateral Cephalogram) is a dental image taken from the side of the face. This image is used to take various measurements to determine and assess the current and future relationship of the upper and lower jaw and assess your bite. This is very useful in planning of orthodontic treatment.
A referral from your doctor and an appointment is required for OPG & Lat Ceph examinations.
No appointment is necessary.
You will be asked to remove any jewellery or metal objects in the region of the head and face before the examination.
Our radiographer will take your images with a specially designed dental imaging machine. You will be asked to stand side on to the machine and be positioned within a head holder which will hold your head in the correct position for the images. The radiographer will ask you to bite your teeth together, and then take the image. The procedure takes only a few seconds. Sometimes your dental specialist may ask for different views, using the same machine. For example requiring you to face the machine, still using the head holder.
The radiographer will give you a copy of your OPG or Lat Ceph to take back to your referring dental specialist, who will review your images for your dental care. A report will also be provided by our reporting doctor within 48 hours of your images being taken.
Please ensure that you make a follow up appointment with your referring doctor or health care provider to discuss your results.
OPG & Lat Ceph involve a small dose of radiation. At Lake Imaging you can be assured that by using the latest technology and with staff trained in radiation reduction techniques, radiation doses are kept as low as reasonably possible.
If you are, or may be pregnant, please inform our radiology team before your examination.
A Cone Beam CT is a series of images which is used to create a three dimensional image of the jaw, teeth and temporomandibular joints.
Cone Beam CT is used to:
A referral from your doctor and an appointment is required for a Cone Beam CT.
There is no preparation required for a Cone Beam CT.
You will be asked to remove any jewellery, hair ties or metal objects in the region of the head and face before the examination.
The radiographer will position you in the specially designed Cone Beam CT machine. You will be asked to face the machine, rest your chin on a rest, and to bite gently on a bite piece to separate your teeth. Your head will be held still and in the correct position in an adjustable head holder. Sometimes your specialist will provide you with a special plate to wear during your scan. Once you are in position, the Cone Beam machine will rotate around your head to collect a series of data from which 3D reconstructions of your jaw and teeth can be produced. The examination takes only a few seconds.
You will be provided with a CD containing all of the Cone Beam CT images to take back to your dental specialist. These images will be used by your dental specialist to plan your dental procedures using specialised computer software. The images from your Cone Beam CT will also be reconstructed into 3D images, and a report will be provided by reporting doctor within 48 hours of your images being taken.
Please ensure that you make a follow up appointment with your referring doctor or health care provider to discuss your Cone Beam CT results.
Cone Beam CT emits small doses of radiation. At Lake Imaging you can be assured that by using the latest technology and with staff trained in radiation reduction techniques; radiation doses are kept as low as reasonably possible.
If you are, or may be pregnant, please inform our radiology team before your examination.
In conjunction with Victorian Clinical Genetics Services (VCGS), we now offer percept NIPT (non-invasive prenatal testing) at our Sunbury and Melton clinics.
This simple blood test analyses DNA, comparing all 23 pairs of chromosomes to screen for conditions such as Down Syndrome
For more information, call us on 9744 5344 or contact your GP. Further information about the screening can be found at vcgs.org.au
*Please note: only the obstetric ultrasound scan performed in conjunction with NIPT is bulk billed, any other obstetric scans will incur an out-of-pocket fee.
I wish to access Lake Imaging Pty Ltd (Lake) Patient Archiving Communications System (PACS) and/or Radiology Information System (RIS) as described above.
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