[The role of the traditional radiological methods in conservative therapy and endodontics]

The traditional radiographic examinations used in restorative dentistry and endodontics are: intraoral radiograph performed in the beta-wing or the paralleling technique, the partial extraoral radiograph (rotational narrow beam), the panoramic radiography and the periapical radiographs with the bisecting technique which is particularly suitable for visualization of the apex. Radiology is a valuable diagnostic means to evaluate the extension of primary caries, to identify secondary and interproximal initial decays and if required let the therapist measure the biological width. Several factors influence the radiographic interpretation of caries: cervical burnout, mach band effect, internal and external resorption, restorative materials for fillings and sub-bases, abrasions and/or erosions. Radiology allows the diagnosis of developmental and acquired abnormalities of the teeth which can have an influence on the treatment itself. Examples are: variations in the shape of the crown and root, dens in dente, enamel hypoplasia, dentinogenesis imperfecta. Radiograms are of major importance in the evaluation of restorative dentistry results: precision of the margins, congruous contact points, fractures. Moreover, it provides the endodontic procedures with useful diagnostic data and permits the measurements during the treatment, supplying the immediate and long term checks too.