RADIOGRAPHIC EXPOSURE TECHNIQUES

PERIAPICAL RADIOGRAPHIC TECHNIQUES

Periapical radiography is designed to give diagnostic images of the apical portions of teeth and their adjacent tissues. A full mouth intraoral examination consists of 14 periapical radiographs with two bite-wing films and provides an image of all teeth and related structures. Single periapical radiographs are often made of individual teeth or groups of teeth to obtain information for treatment or diagnosis of localized diseases or abnormalities. The bisecting (short-cone) and paralleling (long-cone) techniques are two of the most commonly used techniques. Both techniques have advantages and disadvantages. The dental officer's preference determines which technique will be used.