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Intraoral Radiographic Anatomy

Course Number: 601

Digital Systems

In direct digital (rigid sensor) intraoral radiographic software systems, the clinician selects the appropriate template for the prescribed radiographic examination. Most direct digital software programs allow the clinician to select the sequence of image acquisition according to their preference. This automatically places the images in the proper anatomical position within the template as the images are acquired. There are tools to rearrange images if they are not taken in the correct sequence, placed in the wrong position or incorrectly oriented.

Digital Systems - Figure 1

With photostimulable phosphor plate technology, the clinician selects the type of template that matches the survey to be acquired as with direct digital imaging software. Some systems permit the images to automatically populate the survey template if the plates are scanned in a particular order after exposure. In others, the clinician will need to orient and organize the individual images and place them into the correct anatomical and tooth position within the template. Typically, individual phosphor plates are identified with a letter or number to help the clinician properly orient the plate to differentiate right from left. The images can be dragged and dropped into the survey template. Identification of the anatomical landmarks is critical to ensure accurate arrangement and subsequent interpretation.

Digital Systems - Figure 2

Full Mouth Template Example

ScanX®, Air Techniques, Inc.