Radiographic Anatomy & Techniques
Intraoral Techniques
- Paralleling technique — film parallel to the long axis; the more accurate, less distortion.
- Bisecting angle — central ray perpendicular to the bisector; prone to foreshortening/elongation with angulation errors.
Extraoral / Advanced
- OPG (panoramic) — most common extraoral view; broad survey of both jaws.
- CBCT — 3D imaging; the standard for implant planning and complex assessment.
Exposure Factors
kVp controls beam quality/contrast; mA (and time) controls quantity/density of the beam.
Exam Tips ⭐
Paralleling = most accurate; bisecting → foreshortening/elongation; CBCT = implant gold standard; kVp = contrast, mA = density.