Traditional Radiography Versus Oral Radiography

Dental images are best obtained with oral radiography techniques using dental film or a digital sensor and a dental x-ray machine. Locating the dental radiographic unit in the dental operatory makes it quick and easy to take dental radiographs. The film is placed intraorally in most instances to help eliminate overlap of structures. The tube head is manipulated into the correct position for taking the radiograph.

It is less convenient and more technically difficult to obtain high-quality dental images with traditional radiographic techniques. The radiograph machine is usually distant from the dental operatory, making it necessary to move the patient to obtain radiographs. Positioning is more difficult because the tube head is stationary. The need for extraoral film placement increases the difficulty of avoiding overlapping of structures. Dental films placed intraorally can be used with a standard radiographic machine to help with some of these problems; however, the practitioner wishing to incorporate dental radiology into his or her practice is advised to invest in a dedicated dental unit.

Skulls were used for these images. Dental images were obtained with a digital sensor; the traditional radiographs were taken using extraoral technique with a standard radiographic machine.