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Dental Radiography

2

Extraoral Radiographs

• Panoramic– Common in general and specialty offices

• Cephalometric – Common with orthodontists

• Digital – Becoming standard – Easier for the staff

3

Panoramic Fundamentals

• Tomography– One layer shown

• Rotational centers – Tubehead– Cassette

• Focal trough– Image layer or sharpness

4

Panoramic Unit

• Exposure controls

• Head positioner

• X-ray tubehead

• Cassette holder

5

Panoramic Techniques

• Lead apron without a thyroid collar

• Bite block barrier

• Cassette preparation in dark room

• Explanation of procedure– Patient must be still

6

Cephalometric Radiographs

• Patient’s skeletal structure and profile

• Orthodontists mainly use

7

Radiographic Interpretation

• Terminology– Anatomical landmarks– Radiopaque– Radiolucent– Diagnosis– Interpretation– Superimposition

8

Tooth and Surrounding Tissues

9

Mandibular Landmarks

10

Maxillary Landmarks

11

Maxillary Landmarks

• Terminology– Anatomical landmarks– Radiopaque – Radiolucent– Diagnosis– Interpretation– Superimposition

12

Imaging Systems and Digital Radiology• Computed tomography (CT)

• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

• Digital radiography– New technology becoming common– Dental film not needed

13

Digital Radiology

• Analog image – No limits

• Intraoral and extraoral possible

• Pixels and gray scale

14

Digital Radiology• Direct digital imaging

– X-ray machine– Sensor– Computer monitor and software

15

Digital Radiology• Indirect digital imaging

– Converts traditional X-rays to images– Scanner– Computer monitor and software

• Storage phosphor imaging

16

Advantages of Digital Radiology• Less radiation to patient

• Quick results

• Image alterations possible

• Storage

• Darkroom, equipment, solutions eliminated

• Data files can be attached

17

Disadvantages of Digital Radiology

• Initial expense

• Proficiency training

• Sensors are uncomfortable

• System failures