- A magnifying glass or block is very useful, particularly for
small lesion
- A hot light within the viewer is helpful, as good contrast exists
between hard tissues and air. Enamel, dentine and bone are the
three hardest body tissues
- Film quality depends on many variables - exposure, film speed,
development quality, positioning etc. It may help to cut a "keyhole"
in a card and view the radiograph through the keyhole with the
room lights off.
|
|
Rinn Dentsply viewing box with magnifier
|
1. Evaluate the image quality:
- Is the image too light or dark?
- Check the contrast
- Has the image been processed properly?
- Is the image distorted or superimposed?
2. Specifically identify the species, location and structures.
3. Examine the whole radiograph from left to right.
4. Teeth - check each tooth for:
- Changes in contour and/or density of dentine
- Changes in the bone level around roots (particularly furcation
and interproximal)
- Changes in the pulp chamber or periodontal space
- Changes in bone density around the root and the integrity of
lamina dura.
5. Jaw - examine the lesion in the jaw:
- Site - location, extent, solitary, multi-focal or generalised
- Size and shape - measure and describe. This may require one
or more views
- Symmetry - examine contralateral site. Bilateral symmetry is
suggestive of a normal variant
- Border - sclerosis, resorption, lack of continuity
- Contents - lucent or opaque. Homogenous or varying density
- Association with other structures. Teeth displaced or resorbing.
6. Attempt diagnosis or assess the need for further tests.
|