LESSON 4
RADIOGRAPHIC EXPOSURE TECHNIQUES
Section I. INTRODUCTION
4-1.
GENERAL
Diagnostic and treatment procedures cannot be performed satisfactorily without a
variety of radiographic exposure techniques. The dental specialist should be able to
properly position the patient, the tube head, and the x-ray film for intraoral or panoramic
film exposures. He must also be able to read and to follow manufacturer's instructions
accurately.
4-2.
Most dental radiographs are made on intraoral film. An intraoral radiograph is
made with the film held in the mouth during exposure. Intraoral radiographs taken in
closer relation to the object give more detail than is possible with extraoral radiographs,
which are taken from outside the mouth and have less superimposition of shadows.
4-3.
TYPES OF INTRAORAL RADIOGRAPHIC FILM AND THEIR PURPOSES
a. Periapical. The periapical film provides information concerning the entire
tooth and adjacent tissues.
b. Bite-wing (Interproximal). The bite-wing film aids in the detection and
determination of depth of caries or other defects of the coronal two-thirds (the crown
portion) of opposing teeth and the surrounding alveolar crest.
c. Occlusal. The occlusal film provides a means of examining larger areas of
the jaws and does so from a different angle than is possible with other intraoral
methods. It is valuable in locating and diagnosing fractures, salivary duct stones, and
impacted teeth. Occlusal radiographs are used much less than periapical and
interproximal radiographs.
4-4.
PLACEMENT OF FILM PACKETS
Several factors must be considered in the placement and stabilization of intraoral
film packets to achieve satisfactory results.
a. Ensure that the film is positioned correctly.
b. Center the film lingual to the tooth/teeth (except the bicuspid) being
radiographed.
MD0512
4-2