Occlusal Radiology

7/29/2019 Occlusal Radiology

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Occlusal radiography


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Introduction

Occlusal radiograph is a radiograph designed tobe placed between the occlusal surfaces of the

teeth.

It is a supplementary radiographic examination

designed to provide a more extensive view of the

maxilla and mandible.


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Central beam is directed at 90o or at 50 -60o to theplane of the film depending on what is required to

be viewed.


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The film is placed on the occlusal surfaces of the

teeth and held gently in position by the patient

gently biting on the film.

We must always ensure that the film is placed

with the correct side toward the source of

radiation. Size 4 film is used in occlusal radiography which

is about 2.25 x 3 inches (57 x 76 mm) in size.


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Maxillary Maxillary Topographical Occlusal

Maxillary Vertex Occlusal

Posterior Oblique Maxillary Occlusal

Mandibular

Mandibular Topographical Occlusal

Mandibular Cross-Sectional Occlusal

Posterior Oblique Mandibular Occlusal


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Maxillary Topographical Occlusal

Uses: To view the maxilla for anterior alveolarfractures, cysts or tumours, supernumerary teeth

and impacted canines, and to view pathology at

the apices of the incisors.

Film placement: The film is placed crosswise in

the mouth and gently pushed backwards until it

contacts with the anterior border of ramus of

mandible. It is held in position by the patient biting

gently on the film.


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Patient positioning: The patient is seated with the

sagittal plane perpendicular to the floor and the

occlusal plane parallel to the floor.

Central ray direction: Central ray is directed at the

centre of the film with a vertical angulation of +65

degrees and a horizontal angulation of 0 degrees.


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Maxillary Vertex Occlusal

Uses: To view the buccopalatal

relationships of unerupted teeth in the

dental arch.

Film placement: Same as maxillarytopographical occlusal.

Patient positioning: Same as above.

Central ray direction: Central ray is

directed through the top of the skull,perpendicular to the film plane and is

directed to the center of the film.


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Posterior Oblique Maxillary

Occlusal Uses: To view the maxillary posterior region and

provide a topographical view of the maxillary

sinus, examine periapical pathology and root tips.

It can be used in patients who cannot tolerate

periapical films and have a tendency to gag.

Film placement: The film plane should be

parallel to the floor, and the packet should be

pushed posteriorly as far as possible. The lateral

border of the film should be positioned parallel tothe buccal surfaces of the posterior teeth and

extend laterally approximately one-half inch past

the buccal cusps on the side of interest.


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Patient positioning: Same as above.

Central ray direction: The tube is directed at an

angle of +60 degrees. Horizontal angulation shouldbe such that the central ray is approximately at right

angles to the curve of the arch, and strikes the

center of the film packet.


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Mandibular topographical

occlusal

Uses: to view the anterior portion of the mandiblefor fracture, cysts, root tip and periapical

pathology.

Patient positioning: the patient is seated with

the head tilting slightly backward, so that the

occlusal plane is 45 degrees above the horizontal

plane.

Film placement: with the tube side of the film

toward the mandible the film is placed crosswise

in the mouth, like a sandwich. It is gently pushed

backwards until it contacts the anterior border of

the mandibular ramus. The patient bites down

gently to maintain the position.


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Direction of

central ray: the

central ray is

directed between

apices of the

mandibular central

incisors and the

tube is angled at -

55 degrees relative

to the film plane.


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Mandibular cross-sectional occlusal Uses: to view the entire

mandibular for fractures,foreign bodies, root tips,salivary calculi, tori, etc.

Patient positioning: the

patients head may be in anycomfortable position thatallows the central ray to bedirected perpendicular to theplane of the film packet.

Film placement: same asabove.

Direction of central ray:perpendicular to the filmplane and is directed to the


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Posterior oblique mandibular

occlusal

Uses: to view the posterior teeth of the mandibleto locate cysts, fractures, supernumerary teeth,and periapical pathology.

Patient positioning: the patient is seated with

the occlusal plane parallel to the floor and thesagittal plane perpendicular to the floor.

Film placement: the film plane should be parallelto the floor, and the packet should be pushed

posteriorly to the buccal surfaces of the posteriorteeth and extend laterally approximately one-halfinch past the buccal cusps on the side of interest.The patient should bite down gently to maintainfilm position.


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Direction of central ray: the tube is directed at

the apex of the mandibular second premolar, and

the central ray should strike the center of the film

packet. The vertical angulation is -50 degrees.

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Occlusal Radiology