+ Overview

Information about bones, soft tissue and air in the body (ie. lungs, bowel gas etc) can be deduced using x-ray technology.

+ Preparation

When attending your appointment, please bring your referral from your medical practitioner, Medicare card and all other relevant health care cards. Please also bring any previous scans or reports relating to the region being scanned, if they were not undertaken at Marina. To allow adequate time to conduct the procedure, please ensure you arrive on time for your scheduled appointment.

At Marina, appointments for x-rays are not required, but if you have a preferred time you would like to attend for your scan, making an appointment is advisable. Whilst no preparation is necessary for x-rays, metallic objects interfere with x-ray images so it is advisable to wear light, comfortable clothing with no metal (eg. hooks, clips, zips, buttons etc) around the area to be scanned. Alternatively, our friendly staff are happy to supply you with a disposable gown should this be an issue. Similarly, all metal-containing accessories will need to be removed such as jewellery, watches, hair clips etc.

Please ensure you inform our staff if you are, or could potentially be, pregnant.

+ The Scan

All x-rays are performed by one of our experienced, nationally accredited radiographers.

The duration of the scan varies depending on the body region being investigated which, on average, will take 3-10 minutes. The radiographer will ask you to lie or stand during the scan and may manoeuver your position to obtain optimal images. It is important that you remain as still as possible throughout the scan to achieve the best results. You may also be asked to hold your breath for a short time while the scan is taking place.

+ Results

Your referring practitioner will receive the images from the scan immediately via our online portal. Once one of our specialist doctors (radiologist) has reviewed and assessed your scan, the report will be sent to your practitioner either electronically, or by fax.

Following your scan, Marina strongly advises that you return to your physician to discuss your results and subsequent treatment.

+ Preparation

When attending your scan, please bring your referral from your medical practitioner, Medicare card and all other relevant health care cards. Please also bring any previous scans or reports relating to the region being scanned, if they were not undertaken at Marina.

No appointment is necessary for an OPG at Marina, but should you have a preferred time to attend, an appointment would be beneficial.

No other preparation is required for an OPG. You may however be asked by your radiographer to remove any metallic objects (earrings, hair clips, necklaces etc) near your head and neck to avoid interference with the scan. It is therefore advisable to leave any such items at home.

+ The Scan

OPG’s are quick examinations and typically take only 5 minutes in total.

To help position your head correctly and minimise movement during the scan, you will be asked to place your chin on a chin rest, bite down on a sterile mouth piece, and hold onto a pair of handles. Your radiographer will then ask you to remain as still as possible and will initiate the scan. You will then see the machine rotate around your head however it will not make contact with you.

+ Results

Your referring practitioner will be able to access the images from the scan immediately via our online portal. Once one of our specialist doctors (radiologist) has reviewed and assessed your scan, the report will also be sent to your practitioner either electronically, or by fax.

Following your scan, Marina strongly advises that you return to your dental professional to discuss your results and subsequent treatment.

+ Are x-rays painful?

No, x-rays are painless; similar to having your photo taken.

+ How much radiation will I be exposed to during the x-ray?

At Marina, all our equipment is fitted with specialised low-dose radiation technology which minimises radiation exposure. Our experienced staff are specially trained to optimise every scan to ensure minimal radiation is used for every patient.

+ Can I still have an x-ray if I’m pregnant?

Unborn babies are more sensitive to the risks associated with x-rays. It is therefore important that you inform our staff and your doctor if you are, or may be pregnant prior to your x-ray.

+ Am I allowed to accompany my child inside the x-ray room?

If your assistance is required to help calm or keep your child still, we will supply you with a lead gown so you can accompany them during the procedure. However, in cases where you are pregnant or have other young children with you, you are asked to please bring an additional adult with you to assist. Unborn babies and young children are more susceptible to the effects of x-rays thus Marina mandates avoiding any unnecessary exposure.

+ Will the radiographer inform me of my results?

You will receive all findings from your scan from your referring practitioner. The responsibility of the radiographer is to perform and produce high quality images for the radiologist to interpret.

+ Are OPG’s painful?

No, X-Rays cannot be felt and the machine will not come into contact with you during the scan.

+ How much radiation will I be exposed to?

Every X-Ray, OPG and CT machine at Marina is fitted with advanced low dose technology which minimises the radiation dose of every scan for every patient. Additionally, Marina is known and acknowledged for fostering a strong low dose culture thereby further reducing exposure levels.

+ Can I still have an OPG if I’m pregnant?

Unborn babies are more sensitive to the risks associated with x-rays. It is therefore important that you inform our staff and your doctor if you are, or may be pregnant prior to your x-ray.

+ Am I allowed to accompany my child inside the x-ray room?

If your assistance is required to help calm or keep your child still, we will supply you with a lead gown so you can accompany them during the procedure. However, in cases where you are pregnant or have other young children with you, you are asked to please bring an additional adult with you to assist. Unborn babies and young children are more susceptible to the effects of x-rays thus Marina mandates avoiding any unnecessary exposure.

+ Will the radiographer inform me of my results?

You will receive all findings from your scan from your referring practitioner. The responsibility of the radiographer is to perform and produce high quality images for the radiologist to interpret.