Maxillofacial Radiology 193- Bridging analogue and digital imaging in occlusal radiography

Abstract

When radiopacities are detected in the mandible it is imperative to establish whether they are centrally (within or attached to the
bone) or peripherally (in the soft tissues) located. The establishment of locality aids in the development a differential diagnosis. Two low-dose intraoral methods can be used in this regard, namely the buccal object-rule and mandibular occlusal radiographs. In the
golden age of film and the more modern photostimulable phosphor plates, the process of acquiring an occlusal radiograph is typically
straightforward. However, this process is difficult with the more commonly used charged coupled device (CCD) or complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) digital sensors. An alternative method may be used to secure the sensor with two dental disposable cotton rolls at the top and bottom, held in place with an elastic band.