4-30. CENTRAL AND LATERAL INCISORS AND CUSPIDS (ANTERIOR TEETH)
Periapical film with an adapter is used for bite-wing radiographs of anterior teeth.
Head positioning for anterior bite-wing exposures is the same as for the posterior teeth.
Refer to paragraph 4-29. However, a bite-wing radiograph of anterior teeth is seldom
requested by a dentist.
a. Central Area. Place the film packet in the mouth with the center of the film in
line with the median plane. The lower part should be placed between the tongue and
mandibular ridge. The upper part is then allowed to lie against the roof of the mouth.
Have the patient bite tightly end-to-end against the tab. Adjust the tube to an angulation
of +8 degrees. Direct the central ray through the interproximal spaces between the
central incisors at the level of the incisal plane. Follow the manufacturer's instructions
for exposure time.
b. Lateral and Cuspid Area. Place the packet as specified for the central
incisor region. Instruct the patient to bite very gently against the tab to hold it in
position. Shift the tab distally until its mesial surface of the film is located at the midline
of the arch between the central incisors. Then instruct the patient to bite firmly end-to-
end against the tab. Adjust the tube to an angulation of +8 degrees. Direct the central
ray straight through the lateral incisor at the level of the incisal plane. Follow the
manufacturer's instructions for exposure time.
Section V. OCCLUSAL EXPOSURE TECHNIQUES
4-31. GENERAL
At times, more extensive radiographic views of oral tissues are desired than are
obtainable with periapical or bite-wing film. These views are made by using occlusal
film (refer to paragraph 4-3c). The occlusal film will always be exposed through the
unbroken side. Periapical film is used at times to obtain occlusal views in children and
views of small areas in adults. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for exposure
times.
a. Maxillary Head Positioning. In all maxillary occlusal techniques, the
patient's head is first adjusted so that the median plane (sagittal plane) of the face is in
a vertical position and the occlusal surfaces of the maxillary teeth are in a horizontal
plane (parallel to the floor). The x-ray is taken through the facial bones. The film is held
in place by the patient's teeth closed gently, but firmly, against the film packet.
b. Mandibular Head Positioning. In the mandibular full and posterior occlusal
techniques, the patient is tilted back so that the x-ray is taken through the body of the
mandible. In the anterior occlusal technique, the x-ray is taken through the chin. The
patient holds the film in place by closing his teeth gently, but firmly, against the film.
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