Xray - Week 9 PP Flashcards
Importance of Interpretation
A lot of information about the teeth and supporting bone is obtained from image interpretation
- All dental images must be carefully reviewed and interpreted.
- Image interpretation is of paramount importance to the dental professional and plays a vital role in detection of diseases, lesions, and conditions of the teeth and jaws that cannot be identified clinically.
Who interprets images?
Any dental professional with training in interpretation can examine images.
This will involve identification of:
- normal anatomy
- dental restorations, dental materials, and foreign objects
- Dental caries
- periodontal disease
- traumatic injuries and periapical lesions
- Common artifacts and errors
Interpretation vs. Diagnosis
Interpretation
◦ An explanation of what is viewed on a dental image
Diagnosis
◦ The identification of disease by examination or analysis
* The final interpretation and diagnosis are the responsibilities of the dentist
* Dental hygienists and dental assistants are restricted by law from rendering a diagnosis
When are Where are images interpretated?
- It is best to have images taken at the beginning of the appointment and interpreted immediately after mounting in the presence of the patient
- Suspicious or questionable areas can be examined by the dentist or dental hygienist to obtain additional information or confirm a suspected problem
How is interpretation documented?
- All dental images must be reviewed & interpreted
- Interpretation must be documented
Interpretation must be documented and include:
- Date of exposure
- Number/type of images
- Evaluation of diagnostic quality
- List of limiting factors, retakes, or additional images needed
- Description of teeth
- Description of bone and supporting structures of teeth
- Detcription of artifacts
- indication of any areas that require additional images or clinic evaluation/confirmation
Images may be an educational tool in the dental setting…
- The patient may be educated through discussion of normal findings on dental images
- Specific problems and areas of concern may be identified
Why do you think that dental image interpretation is important for you as a dental assistant?
To be able to explain what is shown on the image to the patient
Normal Anatomy in Radiographs
The correct identification of normal radiographic anatomy will ensure a correct placement of
radiographs prior to an exposure and correct mounting technique.
Importance of Anatomy in Radiology - Film Placement
Promotes critical thinking and problem-solving to ensure all the necessary anatomy will be present in the radiograph after an exposure.
Importance of Anatomy in Radiology - Film Mounting
To understand where films are placed in the mount so they are easy to read for diagnosis.
Descriptive terms - in oral cavity affecting xrays
Tubercle - small bump or nodule
Tuberosity - rounded prominence
Canal – tube-like passageway through bone that contains nerves and blood vessels
Foramen – opening or hole that permits the passage of nerves and blood vessels
Fossa – broad, shallow, scooped-out, or depressed area
Sinus – hollow space, cavity, or recess
Dental Anatomy: The tooth - radiographic identifiable features of the tooth
Enamel - most radiopaque
◦ Dentin – less radiopaque
◦ Pulp cavity and canal(s) - radiolucent
Types of Bone
Cortical Bone - compact, dense layer of bone, appears radiopaque
Cancellous Bone - soft, spongey bone located between the cortical bone, appears radiolucent
Periodontal Ligament
the PDL shows as the space between the root of the tooth and the wall of the tooth socket. Appears as a thin radiolucent line aroundthe root of the tooth
The Alveolar Bone Crest
The most coronal portion of alveolar bone found between teeth
If it looks flat, deflated - indication of periodontal disease
Maxillary Anterior Landmarks
- Incisive Foramen
- Median palatine suture
- Nasal Septum
- Nasal cavity/fossa
Incisive Foramen
An opening or hole in the bone that is located at the midline of the anterior portion of the hard palate located between the maxillary central incisors
Median Palatal Suture
The immovable joint between the two palatine processes of the maxilla
Nasal Septum
A vertical bony wall that devides the nasal cavity into the right and left nasal fossae
Nasal Cavity / Fossa
A large radiolucent area above the maxillary incisors (separated betweeen the nasal septum)
Maxillary Posterior Landmarks
- Maxillary sinus
- Maxillary tuberosity
- Inverted Y
- Hamulus
- Zygomatic Process
- Nutrient Canals (Nerve Canal)
Maxillary Sinus
A large radiolucent area bordered by an irregular radiopaque line located above the apices of the premolars and molars
Maxillary Tuberosity
A rounded prominence of bone that extends posterior to the third molar region
Inverted Y
The intersection of the maxillary sinus and the nasal cavity
Hamulus
A radiopaque hook-like projection posterior to the maxillary tuberosity area
Zygomatic Process
Appears as a J or U shape radiopaque above the maxillary molars - this is your cheekbone!
