Oral-dental radiographic examination technique.

In general practice, dental radiography is currently being performed more often as a treatment planning technique during routine dental prophylactic procedures than ever before. Medical radiography units, although still useful for the determination of bone cancer, mineral deficiencies, and fracture studies, are yielding to the use of more versatile dental radiograph machines that are being installed in the dental operatory and expose only the dental film. Currently, the technology of intraoral digital radiography, photography, and videography is available. Digital images can be enhanced, preserved on Polaroid film, or stored directly into computer data banks, without the use of dental film. This article acquaints the reader with digital technology, but deals primarily with traditional film-based oral-dental radiographic examination technique. The equipment and techniques described are affordable and well within the capabilities of the general practitioner. The importance of being able to produce dental radiographs of excellent quality is basic when providing competent dental care.