endo radiology Flashcards
how are x rays a 2D representation?
static 2-dimensional shadow of a dynamic 3-dimensional situation.
X rays are subject to?
ALL the distortions and
false interpretations
that you can imagine
X rays as a snapshot and continuum?
“ Snapshot in time ” . . . glimpse of a
continuum
“DIAGNOSTIC” RADIOGRAPHS:
Optimization of image quality
and relationship to the area of
concern are paramount in
helping to determine a correct
Diagnosis
what must x rays include to be diagnostic
Must be distinct and include all of the areas of concern in proper orientation without cone cuts, overlapping, elongation or foreshortening. Must include all of the tooth and at least 5 mm. apical to the end of the root.
All Posterior teeth REQUIRE what radiographs
All Posterior teeth REQUIRE 2 P/A radiographs (straight-on and 20 degree H.
angled).
why is it a good idea to take multiple x rays
Always a good idea to take multiple angles to help guess the 3-D anatomy
taking curent radiographs
Think of all the STAGES of a HEALTHY pulpal-
periodontal environment to a DISEASED state. You will SEE most of these stages.
It should tell you to take current radiographs!
Current is 1-2 mos. (UNLESS SOMETHING HAS CHANGED)
Drop-off perio pocket or a DST could indicate a new vertical root Fx
A new restoration or any new information, complaint.
SEE WHAT IS HAPPENING NOW*
historical value of radiographs
A SERIES of RADIOGRAPHS over
time with similar angulation and
exposure can be very helpful when
following a new, developing or
healing lesion.
. Benefits of Endodontic Radiology
Suggests LEOs & other Pathosis
*May Indicate Unseen Canals & Proximal Anatomy
*Largely locates most curvatures
*Assists in Working-Length Determination
determining canals with radiographs
2 CANALS: Which Canal?
Changes of Horizontal
Angulation = “SLOB” rule
RISKS of Endodontic Radiology
Modern diagnostic digital radiography is without risk when appropriate radiation hygiene techniques are employed.
There should be no question about X-Ray safety for adequate diagnostic/TX purposes.
radiogrpahs develop:
mental image
can be due to?
mental risks of endo radio
Opportunities exist for CONFUSION and
Inaccurat Interpretation
Universal Temptation to Dx from
X-RAY alone.
Result can be Inaccurate Dx
leading to INCORRECT Treatment
can be due to:
The 3 Biggest Risks of
Endodontic Radiology
The Court deals with both:
The Court deals with both:
ERRORS of COMMISSION
ERRORS of OMISSION
if confused during tx you should:
take another radiograph to be sure of access
MD vs BL curvatures on radiographs
Mesio-distal curvatures are
more easily noticed than
buco-lingual
bullseyes of radiographs at roots
When you see a “Bullseye”
on an image, You are seeing
a facial or lingual root tip “on
end”. You don’t know if it
curves to the Facial or the
Lingual (good opportunity to
refer).
4th root
unusaul anatomy seen on radiographs
This 4th (Disto-Lingual) root is seen
most frequently in Native American
and Asian populations. Often the D-L
root and canal curve sharply to the
facial to present this classic
appearance.
This information can be of great value
to the operator in being able to
visualize the unusual anatomy
and avoid misadventures.
radio assistance in length determination
what is typical WL?
If we place a file in a single canal at a known length, and radiograph it, we can thereby measure the length of the canal & adjust our file’s length to the desired length (WL) at which we want to do our work inside the tooth.
Radiographs extend our effective vision
We want to work and fill at 1.0 mm. short of the canal exit in most cases.
what is the easiet way to see unusual anatomy
shift shot