Radiographic Examination

Diagnostic radiography is an integral part of the clinical process. To maximize diagnostic yield yet minimize the risk of unnecessary exposure, clinicians are responsible for assuring that all radiographs are obtained in accordance with the current standard of care. An individualized radiographic examination should consist of posterior bitewing radiographs with a panoramic exam or posterior bitewings and selected periapical images. In this chapter, radiographic lesions are introduced as they present in the clinical setting: coronal and pericoronal radiolucent, radiopaque, or mixed lesions; periapical, intraradicular, or interradicular radiolucent, radiopaque, or mixed lesions; unilocular and multilocular radiolucent lesions of the jaw bones with distinct borders; solitary radiopaque or mixed lesions within jaw bones with distinct border; and multiple or generalized radiolucent lesions with distinct borders, radiolucent lesions with indistinct borders, radiopaque lesions, or mixed lesions within jaw bones.