Case study The dentist has prescribed a full mouth series of periapical and bitewing radiographs for a patient who represents with several areas of decay and a suspected abscess. This oral health care...

Case study

The dentist has prescribed a full mouth series of periapical and bitewing radiographs for a patient who represents with several areas of decay and a suspected abscess. This oral health care practice uses an 18-image full mouth series configuration. Consider the following and write out your answers:

1. Prepare a list of the specific periapical and bitewing radiographs you intend to expose. Include what size image receptor you will use and why, and which specific teeth must be imaged on each of the projections.

2. Which radiographic technique for exposing periapical radiographs will you choose for this exam? Why?

3. How will your patient be seated for the exposures? Why?

4. Will you be using the patient’s finger or a holder to position the image receptor within the oral cavity? Explain your choice.

5. Describe how the image receptor will be positioned in relation to the teeth and how you will be directing the central ray of the x-ray beam for the specific technique you plan to use.

6. Summarize the steps you would take to locate the vertical and horizontal angulations.

7. Prepare a sequence of exposures and explain your choice.