Image Types - RHS EXAM

What are intraoral images?

high-detail images where the sensor is placed INSIDE the mouth

Bitewing

What type of x-ray is this?

What does a bitewing x-ray show?

the crowns of both the maxillary and mandibular teeth on a single image, along with the crestal bone

What is the primary purpose of a bitewing x-ray?

TO DETECT INTERPROXIMAL CARIES

What are some other purposes of a bitewing X-ray?

- monitoring CRESTAL BONE LEVELS/early signs of gum disease & periodontal disease

- checking the fit of existing restorations like crowns or fillings

What is the purpose of a horizontal bitewing?

It is the standard x-Ray for general cavity/bone checks; shows broad contact

What is the purpose of a vertical bitewing?

best for showing periodontal disease, revealing bone loss, root issues, or deeper decay

Periapical

what type of x-ray is this?

What does a periapical X-ray show?

the entire tooth from the biting surface (crown) to 2-3mm beyond the root tip (apex)

What is the primary purpose of a periapical x-ray?

DIAGNOSING APICAL PATHOLOGY (aka; abcesses or infections at the root tip)

What are other purposes of a periapical x-ray?

- evaluating root fractures or unusual root anatomy

- used during root canal therapy (Endodontics)

What would be an acceptable PA?

when it shows the entire apex and at least 2-3mm of surrounding bone

Occulusal

What type of x-ray is this? (imagine radiograph version)

What does an occlusal x-ray show?

a large area of either the entire upper or lower arch

What is the primary purpose of an occlusal x-ray?

LOCATING IMPACTED TEETH (aka; supernumerary (extra) teeth, or foreign objects)

What are the other purposes of occlusal x-rays?

- identifying salivary stones or large cysts/fractures in the jaw, or cleft palates

- commonly used in PEDIATRICS for children who have smaller mouths or cannot tolerate periapical sensors

What is an extraoral image?

the sensor is OUTSIDE of the mouth; these provide a "big picture" view but with less detail than intraoral images

Panoramic

what type of x-ray is this?

what does a panoramic x-ray show?

a wide, 2D view of the entire maxilla, mandible, teeth, sinuses, and TMJ (jaw joint)

What is the primary purpose of a panoramic x-ray?

EVALUATING THRID MOLARS (wisdom teeth and their position)

What are other purposes of a panoramic x-ray?

- detecting large lesions, jaw fractures, or tumors

- assessing dental development in children (growth patterns)

What are panoramic x-rays NOT good for?

detecting caries, they lack the resolution of bitewings

Cephalometric (ceph)

what type of x-ray is this?

what does a cephalometric x-ray show?

a lateral side profile of the entire skull & jaw

what is the primary purpose of a cephalometric x-ray?

FOR ORTHODONTICS/ORAL SURGERY (measuring the relationship between the teeth, jaw & facial profile)

what are the other purposes of a cephalometric x-ray?

- treatment planning

- monitoring facial growth & development

Cone - Beamed Computed Tomography (CBCT)

what type of x-ray is this ?

what does a CBCT x-ray show?

a 3D image of the dental structures, soft tissues, nerve pathways, and sinuses

what is the primary purpose a CBCT x-ray?

IMPLANT PLANNING, ROOT CANALS, ORTHODONTICS, ORAL ISSUES

what are the other purposes of a CBCT x-ray?

- to see bone depth and nerve locations

- evaluating jaw joint issues

what is unique about CBCT x-rays?

they produce the HIGHEST radiation dose but offers the most detailed spatial information (3D)