December 2009
Dr Gerhard Steenkamp

You decide to upgrade your dental suite to incorporate the making of dental radiographs.  The first image you do is that of a dog with periodontal disease of its right mandibular molar tooth.

a. Which radiographic view was used to make this image?

b. Identify the following anatomical structures: enamel, dentin, periodontal ligament space, lamina dura of the alveolar bone, cemento-enamel junction, rootcanal system, mandibular canal and mandibular cortical bone (ventral cortex).

c. Identify the following pathology: vertical bone resorption, horizontal bone resorption, loss of periodontal ligament space.

Memo

a. An intra-oral parallel view.  The film is inserted into the dogs mouth and pushed ventrally into the intermandibular space, with the film facing the mandible.  The radiographic beam is at a perpendicular angle to the film and the tooth.  This is the only place in the dog’s mouth where a true parallel technique can be used.

b

c