Dental radiology. Role of plain radiographic examination

When a patient presents to a dental office, the imaging modality selected by the dentist is determined by the clinical examination and symptoms. Pain, swelling, or paresthesia usually results in a screening panoramic radiograph. Once a suspicious area is detected, other plain films can be used to provide greater detail. Caries and its sequela and periodontal disease and the surrounding tissues can best be evaluated by intraoral images. In general, today's general dental practice delivers a wide range of preventative and restorative treatments demanding maximum diagnostic information. This can only be accomplished by the dentist having knowledge of the various types of projections that can provide an aid to diagnosis.