Description
Obtaining and interpreting dental radiographs is an acquired skill that takes a lot of practice to become proficient at.
There are a few prerequisites:
An X-ray generator
Image capturing – film, digital etc
Radiology
Knowledge of normal gross and radiographic anatomy.
Although medical X-ray generators and medical digital or film systems can be used they are cumbersome and although one can take diagnostic radiographs using them, some teeth remain superimposed on other structures preventing evaluation of them. It is difficult enough interpreting excellent quality intra-oral dental radiographs let alone trying to decipher what is visible when a tooth is superimposed on another structure.
Pattern recognition is an important concept in dental radiography (any diagnostic imaging modality for that matter). We need to know what the normal gross anatomy as well as radiographic anatomy looks like – and recognise these patterns, to be able to interpret patterns of abnormality.
Dental X-ray generators are available as floor, wall, ceiling, wheeled and portable units. The unit must be registered with the Radiation Safety Authority and used in an area designated as safe by the RSA. Modern units have very low fixed mA setting (2-3) and a fixed kV or 60-80. Only time is variable. A time setting chart should be developed for each machine to prevent the need for “retakes” due to poor exposure settings.
Graduated from Onderstepoort in 1992 and undertook a Clinical Assistantship in Cattle Medicine that culminated in MMedVet(Med). Then followed an Alternative Residency of the EuropeanVeterinaryDentalCollege and became a Diplomate of the EVDC in 2007 and European Veterinary Specialist in Dentistry. Work in Cape Town, Hong Kong (registered vet specialist), Kuala Lumpur (visiting consultant) (amongst other sites) offering a veterinary dentistry and oral surgery referral service in domestic and wildlife species. Special interest in large cats and marine mammals.