Efficacy of dental radiographic practices: options for image receptors, examination selection, and patient selection
Article Abstract:
Dental radiography or X-ray is used for the initial diagnosis and subsequent follow-up of patients, and constitutes a large portion of dental health care services in the United States. Because of concerns about rising health care costs, various diagnostic devices and procedures must be evaluated for effectiveness and usefulness. Statistical methods for evaluating dental diagnostic procedures as well as recent studies on the effectiveness of these procedures are summarized. Studies have shown that certain types of X-ray film, specifically xeroradiography, E-speed film, and D-speed film, are equally effective for use in most dental X-ray procedures. Xeroradiography and E-speed film are faster than D-speed film and result in less radiation exposure, although xeroradiography is a more complex X-ray procedure. It is recommended that D-speed film be used for detection of tooth decay, and E-speed film for other purposes. A new X-ray method, the panoramic radiograph, shows the entire dental arch including all teeth and supporting structures. It may be combined with the bitewing radiograph, which shows the crowns, or surfaces and upper roots of the teeth, and is taken by biting down on a dental film packet. However, the traditional intraoral radiograph taken within the mouth is superior for detecting common dental diseases, such as tooth decay, periodontal disease affecting the structures supporting the teeth, and periapical disease affecting the end of the root of a tooth. A full mouth survey is costly and unnecessary for a complete dental examination. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Journal of the American Dental Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0002-8177
Year: 1989
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An evaluation of occlusal contact marking indicators: a descriptive quantitative method
Article Abstract:
Not all occlusal indicators produce repeatable markings and may therefore give misleading information, according to dentists who tested 10 indicators. Occlusal indicators are pieces of paper, film, or silk that the dentist places between the upper and lower teeth to determine whether the upper and lower teeth make proper contact.
Publication Name: Journal of the American Dental Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0002-8177
Year: 2001
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