24.4

Endodontic Patients

An endodontic patient has undergone root canal therapy. Endodontics (Root Canal Therapy) is the branch of dentistry concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the dental pulp within the tooth. The dental image is indispensable during root canal procedures. A series of exposures is used to evaluate the tooth before, during, and after treatment.

For endodontic patients, the dental radiographer must modify receptor placement in the endodontic patient. The EndoRay alignment device can be used to aid in positioning the receptor during a root canal procedure. It must be positioned to see 5mm past the apex (tip) of the tooth. A recommended technique is the paralleling technique. It should be used whenever possible.

Edentulous Patients

The edentulous (without teeth) patient may require a dental imaging examination to:

• Detect the presence of root tips, impacted teeth, and lesions
• Identify objects embedded in bone
• Establish the position of normal anatomic landmarks relative to the crest of the alveolar ridge
• Observe the quantity and quality of bone that is present

For partially edentulous patients, cotton rolls may be used in the paralleling technique to stabilize the bite-block on both sides. The dental imaging examination of the edentulous patient may also include the following projections: panoramic, periapical, or a combination of occlusal and periapical images.

Panoramic examination is the most common way of evaluating the edentulous jaw and periapical examination is used if a panoramic machine is not available and it may be used as a follow-up to the panoramic examination.

In the Iannucci & Howerton, Dental Radiography Principles & Techniques, 6th Edition textbook, on pages 268 & 269, refer to Figures 24-10 through 24-13 for occlusal and periapical examinations of edentulous patient.