OPG X-Ray Machine: Definition, Types, Benefits, Prices, Buying Guide and Financing Options

Learn what an OPG X-ray machine is, including its uses, types, benefits, and prices, and explore financing options for easy purchase.
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Medical Equipment Finance
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3 min
29 December 2025

The OPG (Orthopantomogram) machine is an important dental imaging device that gives a full panoramic view of the teeth, jaws, nerves, and nearby structures in a single scan. It is useful for spotting hidden problems, planning treatments such as implants or braces, and keeping track of oral health. The machine offers efficiency, low radiation, and comfort for patients. This guide explains how OPG machines work, their types, benefits, costs in India, and important points to consider before buying, helping both dentists and patients make informed choices.

Medical equipment finance plays a pivotal role in facilitating the acquisition of vital medical equipment, like an OPG machine. Bajaj Finserv Medical Equipment Finance provides tailored financial solutions, easing the burden of upfront investment for healthcare professionals.

What is OPG machine

An OPG (Orthopantomogram) machine is a special dental X-ray device that captures a single wide view of the whole mouth, including teeth, jaws, nerves, sinuses, and jaw joints (TMJ). It is important for detecting problems like impacted teeth, fractures, or decay, and for planning treatments such as implants or braces. The machine rotates around the head, providing a quick, low-radiation, and convenient alternative to multiple small X-rays, making it ideal for overall assessment and for patients who find it difficult to open their mouths wide.

Uses of OPG machine

  • Complete View: Unlike regular X-rays that show only small areas, an OPG provides a full view of both jaws and facial bones.
  • Detect Hidden Issues: It can reveal problems under the gums, hidden decay, infections, cysts, tumours, and jaw abnormalities that aren’t visible otherwise.
  • Treatment Planning: Useful for planning braces, implants, dentures, root canals, extractions, and oral surgeries.
  • Health Monitoring: Helps track dental conditions and check the progress or success of treatments over time.
  • Check Specific Areas: Shows wisdom teeth (including impaction), jaw joints (TMJ), sinus regions, and bone density.

Benefits of an OPG machine

  • Complete Diagnostics: Provides a full view of all teeth, upper and lower jaws, TMJ, and surrounding areas, helping detect impacted teeth, cysts, tumours, infections, bone loss, fractures, or abnormal tooth growth.
  • Effective Treatment Planning: Important for braces, dental implants, extractions, and oral surgeries.
  • Patient Comfort: Quick, painless, and non-invasive, suitable for patients with a strong gag reflex or limited jaw movement.
  • Lower Radiation: Digital OPG uses low radiation, making it safer than regular X-rays.
  • Instant Results: Images are available immediately, allowing fast review and treatment planning.

Types of OPG X-ray machines

OPG machines come in various types, including:

  • Traditional OPG machines: Capture images using film technology.
  • Digital OPG machines: Utilise digital sensors for image capture, offering enhanced image quality and easier storage.
  • Cone beam CT (CBCT) machines: Provide three-dimensional imaging for more detailed diagnostics, especially useful for complex cases.

How does an OPG machine work?

An OPG machine works by:

  • Patient Positioning: The patient stands or sits with their chin on a support and bites a small plastic block to keep the jaws steady. The tongue is pressed against the roof of the mouth to prevent shadows on the image.
  • Rotating Motion: The X-ray source and sensor rotate in a semicircle around the patient’s head in opposite directions.
  • Focal Plane Imaging: The machine follows the curved shape of the dental arch, keeping the jaw in focus while blurring structures outside this plane.
  • Image Capture: As the machine rotates, X-rays pass through the mouth and are recorded by the sensor.
  • Image Reconstruction: The captured images are digitally combined to create a single, complete 2D panoramic view.

OPG machine prices in India

OPG machine prices vary depending on several factors such as brand, model, features, and whether it's a traditional film-based machine or a digital one. On average, a basic OPG machine may cost around ₹2,00,000 to ₹5,00,000, while more advanced digital models can range from ₹6,00,000 to ₹10,00,000 or higher.

Here's a rough estimate of OPG machine prices:

OPG machine type Price range
Traditional (Film) Rs. 10,00,000 - Rs. 20,00,000
Digital Rs. 20,00,000 - Rs. 35,00,000+


Factors to consider before purchasing an OPG machine

Here are some factors you must consider before purchasing an OPG machine:

Image Quality & Performance

  • Resolution & Detail: Clear, high-resolution images with good contrast are essential; look for CMOS or Flat Panel detectors.
  • Detector Technology: CMOS or Flat Panel detectors provide better image quality; check pixel size and dynamic range.

Patient Safety & Radiation

  • Low Radiation: Machines should follow the ALARA principle and allow adjustment for patient size.
  • Compliance: Ensure the device meets local radiation safety standards (e.g., ARPANSA).

Workflow & Software

  • User-Friendly Interface: Easy-to-use controls with automated positioning features.
  • Software Compatibility: Should work with PACS, EHR, CAD/CAM, and support DICOM.

Cost & Investment

  • Total Cost: Consider price, maintenance, installation, energy use, and training.
  • Features: Ensure the machine’s features suit your common procedures.

Support & Reliability

  • Supplier Support: Reliable service and maintenance are essential.
  • Warranty: Check the coverage and terms.

Practice Requirements

  • Clinical Needs: Choose a machine that fits your procedures.
  • Space & Portability: Consider the setup space and whether portability is needed.

Financing options for buying OPG machine

Considering the significant investment required for purchasing an OPG machine, exploring financing options can be beneficial. Bajaj Finance offers medical equipment loans tailored to healthcare professionals, providing flexible repayment terms and competitive interest rates. Before applying, it's important to review the medical equipment finance eligibility criteria to ensure a smooth approval process.

With Bajaj Finserv Medical Equipment Finance, you can easily finance your OPG machine purchase and manage cash flow effectively. When you are evaluating loan options, take time to understand the applicable medical equipment finance interest rate. This will help you estimate the total cost of borrowing accurately.

Conclusion

Investing in an OPG machine is a significant step towards enhancing your dental practice's diagnostic capabilities and improving patient care. Whether you choose a traditional or digital model, the benefits of having an OPG machine are undeniable.

You can also consider our Bajaj Finserv Doctor Loan to acquire the equipment you need without straining your finances.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the full form of OPG?

OPG stands for Orthopantomogram, which is a type of dental imaging technique used to capture panoramic or wide-view images of the jaws, teeth, and surrounding structures in a single exposure.

What types of dental conditions can be diagnosed using an OPG machine?

An OPG machine is used to diagnose various dental conditions such as tooth impaction, bone abnormalities, cysts, jaw disorders, dental infections, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.

What are the differences between OPG machines and traditional dental X-rays?

OPG machines offer panoramic views of the entire oral cavity in a single exposure, while traditional dental X-rays focus on specific areas. OPGs use lower radiation and provide comprehensive imaging, reducing the need for multiple exposures.

What is the OPG machine used for?

An OPG (Orthopantomogram) machine is a piece of medical imaging equipment that is primarily used in the field of dentistry. The machine provides a panoramic view of the mouth, which aids dentists and oral health specialists in diagnosing problems with the jaw, sinuses, teeth, and other facial bones. It is a vital tool in several areas of study, ranging from orthodontics to oral surgical planning.

What are the benefits of using an OPG machine?

There are numerous benefits associated with the use of an OPG machine. First and foremost, it provides a comprehensive view of the patient's oral cavity, including their jaw, teeth, and surrounding structures. This permits a quicker, more efficient diagnosis. Second, compared to traditional intraoral X-rays, an OPG machine produces lower levels of radiation, making it a safer alternative. Lastly, having this piece of equipment on-site can bring about enhanced patient satisfaction and financial benefits in the longer term, as it reduces the need for external dental imaging services.

What factors affect the cost of an OPG machine?

The cost of an OPG machine can be influenced by a variety of factors. These include the brand, the country of manufacture, the machine's features and capabilities, and whether it is new or used. Ongoing costs, such as machine maintenance and the future potential for upgrades, should also be taken into account when considering the purchase of an OPG machine.

How do I choose the right OPG machine for my practice?

Choosing the right OPG machine for your practice can depend on several factors. A thorough understanding of your practice's needs is paramount, which includes considerations such as the volume of patients, the space available for the machine, and the specific dental services being offered. Further, you should also assess the machine's technical specifications, ease of use, and the after-sales support provided by the manufacturer. It is often helpful to seek professional advice or consult peers before making a final choice.

Can I finance an OPG machine purchase?

Yes, financing an OPG machine purchase is indeed possible. There are a variety of financial institutions and specialist lenders in India that offer medical equipment finance. This type of loan is designed to assist healthcare professionals in purchasing high-cost medical equipment, such as an OPG machine. These loans usually have flexible repayment terms and competitive interest rates. It is always advisable to thoroughly explore and compare different financing options and lenders before settling on the right one for your practice.

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