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
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
Tooth | Vertical film angulation | X-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 |
Mandible
- Patient head slightly tilted up so occlusal plane is parallel to the floor
- Film must touch floor of the mouth
Tooth | Vertical film angulation | X-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 |
Orthopantomogram (OPG)

Other radiograph techniques
Extraoral radiographs:

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