This document provides an introduction to dental imaging examinations. It describes the three main types of intraoral imaging examinations - periapical, interproximal, and occlusal examinations - and explains their purposes, receptor types, and techniques. A complete mouth series involving 14-20 films is described as examining all tooth-bearing areas. Diagnostic criteria for clear, high quality intraoral images are outlined. Examples of extraoral imaging exams like panoramic and cephalometric x-rays are also listed. The document stresses that dental images should be prescribed based on the individual patient's needs and clinical presentation.

1. Introduction to Dental Imaging
Examinations
Chapter 16
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2. Learning Objectives
Lesson 16.1: Introduction to Dental
Imaging Examinations
1. Define the key terms associated with dental imaging
examinations.
2. List the three types of intraoral imaging examinations.
3. Describe the purpose, the type of receptor, and the
technique used for each of the three types of intraoral
imaging examinations.
4. List the various projections that constitute a complete
mouth series (CMS).
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3. Learning Objectives
Lesson 16.1: Introduction to Dental
Imaging Examinations (Cont.)
5. List the general diagnostic criteria for intraoral images.
6. List examples of extraoral imaging examinations.
7. Discuss the prescribing of dental images.
8. Describe when prescribing a CMS for a new patient is
warranted.
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4. Introduction • Purpose
– To introduce the dental
radiographer to the different
intraoral radiographic
examinations used in
dentistry
– To define the complete mouth
series
– To describe in detail the
diagnostic criteria of intraoral
images
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5. Intraoral
Imaging
Examination
• Types of intraoral imaging
examinations
• Complete mouth series
• Diagnostic criteria for intraoral
images
• Intraoral examinations are the
foundation of dental imaging.
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6. Intraoral Imaging Examination (Cont.)
• An inspection of teeth and intraoral adjacent
structures
• Requires the use of intraoral image receptors
– Intraoral receptor
• Receptor that is placed inside the mouth and is used to examine
the teeth and supporting structures
• Intraoral film is the most commonly used x-ray film.
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7. Types of Intraoral
Imaging Examinations
• Periapical examination
• Interproximal examination
• Occlusal examination
• Each of these examinations has a certain
purpose and requires the use of a specific type
of imaging receptor and technique.
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8. Periapical
Examination
• Purpose
– Used to examine the entire
tooth (crown to root) and
supporting bone
• Type of imaging receptor
– Periapical receptor
• Technique
– Paralleling and bisecting
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9. Interproximal
Examination
• Purpose
– To examine the crowns of both
the maxillary and mandibular
teeth on a single film
– This type of film is most often
taken to check for cavities
between teeth.
– Should show crestal bone
• Type of imaging receptor
– Bite-wing receptor
• Technique
– Bite-wing technique
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10. Occlusal
Examination
• Purpose
– Used to examine large areas
of the maxilla or the mandible
on one film
– Most commonly seen in
pediatric dental offices
• Type of imaging receptor
– Occlusal receptor
• Technique
– Occlusal technique
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11. Complete Mouth Series/Full Mouth
Series
• CMS, also known as FMS or FMX
• A full-mouth series or complete series
– Tooth-bearing areas
• Dentulous areas
• Edentulous areas
• A total of 14 to 20 films may be taken.
• Film size selection is important.
• Used to detect disease, foreign objects, retained roots.
• Patients usually have a full-mouth series of x-rays taken every 3
to 5 years.
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12. 12

13. Diagnostic Criteria
for Intraoral Images
• Images must have optimum density, contrast, definition, and
detail.
• Images must have the least amount of distortion possible.
• The CMS must include images that show all tooth-bearing
areas.
• Periapical images must show the entire crowns and roots of
teeth being examined, as well as 2 to 3 mm beyond the root
apices.
• Bite-wing images must show open contacts.
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14. Extraoral
Imaging
Examination
• An inspection of large areas of
the skull or jaws
• Extraoral receptors
– Receptors that are placed
outside the mouth
• Examples of common
extraoral images
– Panoramic image
– Lateral jaw
– Lateral cephalometric
– Posteroanterior
– Waters
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15. Prescribing
Dental
Images
• Prescribing is based on the
individual needs of the
patient.
• Dentist uses professional
judgment to make decisions
about the number, type, and
frequency of dental images.
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16. Prescribing
Dental
Images
(Cont.)
• Not all patients need an FMX.
– FMX is appropriate when a new
adult patient presents with
clinical evidence of generalized
dental disease or a history of
extensive dental treatment.
– Otherwise, a combination of
bite-wings, selected
periapicals, and/or a panoramic
image should be prescribed on
the basis of a patient’s
individual needs. 16