3/8/22, 17:10 11: Occlusal radiography | Pocket Dentistry

Pocket Dentistry
Fastest Clinical Dentistry Insight Engine

Home Log in Category » About Contact Gold Member Video Terms and Condition

Search...

11: Occlusal radiography

Chapter 11

Occlusal radiography
Occlusal radiography is defined as those intraoral radiographic techniques taken using a dental X-ray set where the image receptor (film packet or digital
phosphor plate – 5.7 × 7.6 cm) is placed in the occlusal plane. Suitable-sized solid-state digital sensors are not currently available.

Terminology and classification

The terminology used in occlusal radiography is very confusing. The British Standards Glossary of Dental Terms (BS 4492: 1983) is inadequate in defining the
various occlusal projections and in differentiating between them. The result is that there is still little uniformity in terminology.

The terminology used here is based broadly on the British Standards terms, shown in parentheses, but they have been modified in an attempt to make them
more explicit, straightforward and practical so that often the name of the view indicates how it is taken.

Maxillary occlusal projections

• Upper standard (or anterior) occlusal (standard occlusal)

• Upper oblique occlusal (oblique occlusal)

• Vertex occlusal (vertex occlusal) – no longer used.

Mandibular occlusal projections

• Lower 90° occlusal (true occlusal)

• Lower 45° (or anterior) occlusal (standard occlusal)

• Lower oblique occlusal (oblique occlusal).

Upper standard (or anterior) occlusal

This projection shows the anterior part of the maxilla and the upper anterior teeth.

Main clinical indications

• Periapical assessment of the upper anterior teeth, especially in children but also in adults unable to tolerate periapical holders

• Detecting the presence of unerupted canines, supernumeraries and odontomes

• As the midline view, when using the parallax method for determining the bucco/palatal position of unerupted canines (see Ch. 24)

https://pocketdentistry.com/11-occlusal-radiography/ 1/5
3/8/22, 17:10 11: Occlusal radiography | Pocket Dentistry

• Evaluation of the size and extent of lesions such as cysts or tumours in the anterior maxilla

• Assessment of fractures of the anterior teeth and alveolar bone.

Technique and positioning

1. The patient is seated with the head supported and with the occlusal plane horizontal and parallel to the floor and is asked to support a protective thyroid
shield.

2. The image receptor, suitably barrier wrapped, is placed flat into the mouth on to the occlusal surfaces of the lower teeth. The patient is asked to bite together
gently. The image receptor is placed centrally in the mouth with its long axis crossways in adults and anteroposteriorly in children.

3. The X-ray tubehead is positioned above the patient in the midline, aiming downwards through the bridge of the nose at an angle of 65–70° to the image
receptor (see Fig. 11.1).

Fig. 11.1 A Diagram showing the position of the image receptor in relation to the lower arch. B Positioning from the front; note the use of the
protective thyroid shield. C Positioning from the side. D Diagram showing the positioning from the side. The resultant radiograph is shown in Fig.
11.2.

Fig. 11.2 An example of an upper standard occlusal radiograph with the main anatomical features indicated.

https://pocketdentistry.com/11-occlusal-radiography/ 2/5
3/8/22, 17:10 11: Occlusal radiography | Pocket Dentistry

Upper oblique occlusal

This projection shows the posterior part of the maxilla and the upper posterior teeth on one side.

Main clinical indications

• Periapical assessment of the upper posterior teeth, especially in adults unable to tolerate periapical image receptor holders

• Evaluation of the size and extent of lesions such as cysts, tumours or other bone lesions affecting the posterior maxilla

Only gold members can continue reading. Log In or Register to continue

https://pocketdentistry.com/11-occlusal-radiography/ 3/5
3/8/22, 17:10 11: Occlusal radiography | Pocket Dentistry

You may also need

10: Bitewing radiography

9: Occlusal radiography

Periapical radiography

5: Image processing

17: The quality of radiographic

Image receptors
images and quality assurance

18: Alternative and specialized

imaging modalities
12: Oblique lateral

8: Dental radiography – radiography

general patient considerations

including control of infection
13: Skull and maxillofacial
radiography

1: The radiographic image

The production, properties and

interactions of X-rays

14: Cephalometric
radiography

7: The biological effects

associated with X-rays, risk
and practical radiation
protection 30: The temporomandibular
3: Dental X-ray generating joint
equipment

Load more posts

Share this:

  
Related

9: Occlusal radiography Patient Selection and Indications for 10 Dental radiography

January 12, 2015 Treatment January 17, 2015
In "Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology" July 31, 2022 In "Pedodontics"
In "Implantology"

Jan 12, 2015 | Posted by mrzezo in Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology | Comments Off

https://pocketdentistry.com/11-occlusal-radiography/ 4/5
3/8/22, 17:10 11: Occlusal radiography | Pocket Dentistry

Citrus North

WordPress theme by UFO themes

https://pocketdentistry.com/11-occlusal-radiography/ 5/5