This is a basic lecture to help dental students at all levels with basic interpretation

1. Dr MUMENA C.H

2. * Dental radiographs are used in combination with the
clinical examination to identify pathologic conditions
and anomalies
* Prerequisite for interpretation: careful exposure and
processing technique
* Reason: avoid errors that inhibit interpretation of
radiographs
* Preferred technique: Paralleling technique
* Reason: radiographs are most accurate representation of
real structure
* Prerequisite for interpretation: Understanding normal
structures before identifying anomaly or pathology

3. * Normal radiographic appearance of tooth and
surrounding anatomic structures:

4. * Rec anatomy of tooth (Enamel, dentine,
cementum, pulp)
* Enamel appears more lighter (More
radiopaque) than dentine
* Reason: it is the most dense substance in the
body
* It should appear unbroken by any radiolucency
(Dark areas)

5. * Cementum:
* Covers rooth area
* Does not appear on radiographs
* Reasons:
* It is very thin layer
* Density is similar to dentine

6. * Dentin:
* Underlies the enamel and cementum
* Dentin should appear smooth and unbroken by
radiolucency except for the pulp chamber and
root canals
* Junction between enamel and dentin is clear
* Reason:
* Different densities

7. * Pulp chamber and root canals:
* Made up of soft tissues
* Appear radiolucent
* Size of pulp chamber vary between individuals
* Root canal appearance vary
* Apical foramen and apical 2-3 mm of the canal may
or may not be visible
* In developing teeth, pulp chambers and canals are
quite large
* N.B: Pulp chambers and root canals should not
contain radiolucencies

8. * Lamina Dura
* It is the radiopaque line that follows the roots of
the teeth
* Appearance vary depending on root configuration
and angulation of the x-ray beam
* It may appear well defined or non-existent
* In areas of occlusal stress ti will appear thicker and
more dense
* An interrupted or absent lamina dura in the
absence of other signs and symptoms is not
necessarily indicative of pathology

9. * Periodontal ligament space:
* Radiolucent are between the lamina dura and
the root surface
* Extends from the alveolar crest around the
root(s) to the opposite alveolar crest
* Width of periodontal ligament space varies
* Features suggesting pathology:
* Widening adjacent to the alveolar crest
* Widening in the apical area

10. * Cancellous or trabecular bone:
* Consists of thin radiopaque plates and rods
called trabeculae surrounding the bone marrow
* It is sandwiched between the cortical plates of
maxilla and mandible
* Density and pattern of trabeculae bone vary
from individual to individual
* General presentation:
* Trabecular pattern of maxilla is denser and finer
than that of mandible

11. * END OF PART 1: FOLLOW PART 2;
RADIOGRAPHIC PRESENTATION OF DENTAL
CARIES