Radiology: X-Ray positions

Bilateral bite wing (BBW)

  • Patient head straight so occlusal plane is parallel to the floor
  • Bite should be normal
  • X-ray central beam:
    • Vertical angulation: +10°
    • Horizontal angulation:
      • Premolar BBW: 30° from mid-sagittal plane, aimed at inner canthus of the eye
      • Molar BBW: 60° from mid-sagittal plane, aimed at outer canthus of the eye

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Intraoral periapical (IOPA)

  • Identification dot on film always placed towards incisal/occlusal surface of teeth and towards midline
  • Vertical angulation at occlusal plane is zero, upward is negative and downwards is positive

Maxilla

  • Patient head slightly tilted down so occlusal plane is parallel to the floor
ToothVertical film angulationX-ray central beam aim
Incisors+45°Tip of the nose
Canine+45°Canine eminence – distal and inferior borders of ala of nose
Premolars+30°Perpendicular to pupil of the eye, film is horizontal
Molars+20°Perpendicular to outer canthus of the eye, film is horizontal
IOPA x-ray positions for maxillary teeth

Mandible

  • Patient head slightly tilted up so occlusal plane is parallel to the floor
  • Film must touch floor of the mouth
ToothVertical film angulationX-ray central beam aim
Incisors-15°Tip of the chin
Canine-20°Perpendicular to ala of nose
Premolars-10°Perpendicular to pupil of the eye
Molars-5°Perpendicular to outer canthus of the eye
IOPA x-ray positions for mandibular teeth

Watch video


Orthopantomogram (OPG)

OPG landmarks

Other radiograph techniques

Intraoral radiographs

Extraoral radiographs:

Extraoral radiographs
Image from Pocket Dentistry

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