Principles of Paralleling Technique

Question 1

What are the basic principles of the paralleling technique?

Answer 1

1. The receptor is placed in the mouth parallel to the long axis of the tooth being radiographed.
2. The central ray of the x-ray beam is directed perpendicular to the receptor and the long axis of the tooth.
3. A beam alignment device must be used to keep the receptor parallel with the long axis of the tooth.

Question 2

How do yo achieve parallelism between the receptor and the tooth?

Answer 2

The receptor must be placed away from the tooth and toward the middle of the oral cavity.