Extraoral periapical radiography: an alternative approach to intraoral periapical radiography

Abstract

It is difficult to take intraoral radiographs in some patients who are intolerable to place the film in their mouth. For these patients, Newman and Friedman recommended a new technique of extraoral film placement. Here we report various cases that diagnostic imaging was performed in patients using the extraoral periapical technique. This technique was used to obtain the radiographs for the patients with severe gag reflex, pediatric dental patients, and patients with restricted mouth opening. This technique can be recommended as an alternative to conventional intraoral periapical technique in cases where intraoral film placement is difficult to achieve.

Keywords: Dental Radiography; Technology, Radiologic.

Fig. 1

Photograph shows patient positioning for taking extraoral periapical radiographs. A. Maxillary posterior teeth. B. Mandibular posterior teeth.

Fig. 2

A. Conventional intraoral periapical radiograph. B. Extraoral periapical radiograph.

Fig. 3

A. Photograph shows patient positioning for taking extraoral radiograph of maxillary left first premolar. B, C, and D. Extraoral periapical radiographs are taken for endodontic treatment of a patient with severe gag reflex.

Fig. 4

A. Photograph shows positioning of pediatric patient for taking extraoral radiograph. B, C, and D. Extraoral periapical radiographs are taken for the uncooperative pediatric dental patients.

Fig. 5

A. Photograph shows patient positioning for taking extraoral radiograph of left mandibular third molar. B, C, and D. Extraoral periapical radiographs show impacted third molars.