Maxillofacial Radiology Interpretation Flashcards
Which radiographs best demonstrate caries? (1)
- Bitewings or long-cone periapical radiographs
When can caries be radiographically detected? What does this mean clinically? (2)
- When there has been 30-40% demineralization, so that the lesion can be differentiated from normal dentine and enamel - Because of this limitation, the carious lesion is larger (up to 25%) than that seen on radiographs
What can be useful when identifying early lesions? (1)
- Magnification
Describe earliest radiographic Proximal surface caries (3)
- Enamel caries seen as a triangular radiolucency - Just below the contact point - Apex pointing towards the amelo-dentinal junction
What happens when radiographic Proximal caries reaches the ADJ? (1)
- When caries reaches the ADJ, it spreads along the junction, often forming a second radiolucent triangle, with its apex pointing towards the pulp
When is radiographic occlusal caries difficult to diagnose?
- If the lesion is restricted to enamel
What is often the first indication of radiographic Occlusal caries? (2)
- A thin radiolucent line at the ADJ, with intact enamel - As the lesion progresses it becomes easier to detect
How is Smooth surface caries detected? (1)
- Should be visible clinically, but a radiograph can provide confirmation
How and where is root caries usually diagnosed? What can mimic root caries on a radiograph? (2)
- Radiographs may reveal root surface caries that is not evident clinically, usually this is interproximally - Cervical burnout can mimic root caries, except that in cervical burnout there is still an image of the root edge
How does recurrent caries appear radiographically? What can obscure recurrent caries? (2)
- Appears as a zone of increased radiolucency along the margins of a restoration - Radiopaque materials such as metals can obscure recurrent caries, and radiolucent lining materials can make detection difficult
What do radiographic signs of periapical periodontitis depend on? What is the earliest sign? (2)
- Depends on the time course of the disease process - The earliest sign is usually widening of the apical periodontal ligament, followed by loss of lamina dura
What is rarefying osteitis? (1)
- Bone resorption
What is sclerosing osteitis? (1)
- Bone formation
What does the body promote in an attempt to heal from chronic apical periodontitis? How does this appear radiographically? (2)
- Stimulates the formation of granulation tissue - This appears as a well-defined radiolucency surrounding the apex of a non-vital tooth
What is the most likely diagnosis of a well defined radiolucency surrounding the apex of a non-vital tooth with >1cm diameter? (1)
- Radicular cyst
What can occur intermittently with Periapical Granulomas? (1)
- Acute exacerbations of chronic lesions can occur intermittently
Give three possible pathological conditions resulting from Periapical Periodontitis? (3)
- Root resorption - Radicular cyst formation - Osteomyelitis
Why are radiographs useful in Periodontal Disease? (3)
- No radiographic signs of gingivitis - Useful to demonstrate the form of bone loss in chronic periodontal disease - As well as any local factors such as calculus or overhanging restorations
Where is the alveolar crest normally seen in a healthy individual? (1)
- Within 1.5mm of the amelo-cemental junction
Describe the three radiographic patterns of bone loss (3)
- Early: erosion of the interdental crest - Later: ‘horizontal’ loss of bone generalized and localised - ‘Complex’: osseous defects
Describe ‘Juvenile’ Periodontitis (1)
- Localised, aggressive
Describe Rapidly Progressive Periodontitis (1)
- Generalised, aggressive
What is Papillon-Lefevre associated with? (1)
- Genetic disorders
Give three ways that dental anomalies can occur (3)
- Anomalies of tooth number - Anomalies of tooth form - Anomalies of tooth structure










