Imaging Modalities and Selection Criteria

Question 1

Which of the following imaging modalities is used to better evaluate the crown, roots, and supporting bone of a tooth?

a) Periapical
b) Interproximal
c) Occlusal
d) Panoramic

Answer 1

Periapical

Question 2

What is the primary purpose of bitewing radiography?

Answer 2

Detect interproximal caries lesions and to assess alveolar crest height.

Question 3

What is the primary purpose of a panoramic radiograph?

Answer 3

Overall evaluation of dentition and bones

Question 4

What is the primary purpose for MRI?

Answer 4

To produce high quality images of soft tissue (and does not use ionizing radiation)

Question 5

What are the 3 intraoral radiographic techniques?

Answer 5

Periapical, Bitewing, Occlusal

Question 6

What is the primary purpose of Extraoral Medical CT and what is it good for?

Answer 6

1. Three dimensional evaluation of hard tissues
2. Good for some soft tissues

Question 7

What can also be used in some cases to evaluate alveolar bone height as well as interproximal caries lesions, even though it is not the most appropriate technique?

Answer 7

Intraoral - Periapical

Question 8

What are the main different types of images and most frequently used in Dentistry that you can perform with intraoral and extraoral units?

Answer 8

Intraoral: Periapical and Bitewings
Extraoral: Panoramic, Cephalometric (lateral/frontal) and Cone Beam Computed Tomography

Question 9

What does an FMX include?

Answer 9

Periapical radiographs of both posterior and anterior teeth followed by bitewing radiographs of posterior teeth

Question 10

True or False:
Periapical images are better at detecting interproximal caries lesions and assessing alveolar crest height compared to bitewings.

Answer 10

FALSE
Bitewings are actually better because the angulation of periapicals is not as ideal for these 2 tasks

Question 11

How does one’s medical history affect the criteria for number and frequency of x-rays?

Answer 11

Incidence of Disease and Rate of Progression

Question 12

What are risks of not taking x-rays?

Answer 12

Delayed treatment and increased financial burden for the patient

Question 13

To x-ray or not to x-ray falls under which guiding principle?

Answer 13

Justify

Question 14

Would you use CBCT to evaluate caries?

Answer 14

No, CBCT is not good for soft-tissues and caries.
It is used to evaluate hard tissues.

Question 15

What imaging modality do you use to visualize soft-tissues?

Answer 15

MRI
Medical CT to some extent