ANATOMICAL LANDMARKS

FULL MOUTH PERIAPICAL MOUNTING Figure 1-59 shows a full mouth periapical film mount. The mount contains 14 slots for periapical radiographs and 2 slots for interproximal (bite-wing) radiographs. W h e n m o u n t i n g f u l l m o u t h p e r i a p i c a l radiographs, you will be working with 14 radiographs; take care to sort and mount them correctly. To do this, you must be able to recognize certain maxillary and mandibular anatomical landmarks. the teeth (B in fig. 1-60). The wavy white line identifies the floor of the maxillary sinus. This white line is not found in radiographs of the mandibular arch. Mandibular Cuspid and Bicuspid Areas Radiographs of these areas show a fine network of tiny white lines around and below the roots and a dark area in the cuspid area representing the mental foramen (E in fig. 1-60). Maxillary Molar Area ANATOMICAL LANDMARKS During the following discussion, locate each anatomical landmark on figure 1-60. The landmarks are indicated by arrows. Maxillary Incisor Area Radiographs of this area usually show a large white region caused by the bone of the nasal septum (A in fig. 1-60). Mandibular Incisor Area Mandibular incisors are smaller than maxillary incisors. The mandibular incisor area has a network of tiny white lines around and below the roots (D in fig. 1-60). Maxillary Cuspid and Bicuspid Areas Radiographs of these areas usually show a distinct wavy white line above or near the apices of Radiographs of these areas show the maxillary arch and the roots of the maxillary molars curving slightly toward the rear of the mouth (C in fig. 1-60). Maxillary molars have three roots, they tend to be indistinct on radiographs. In addition, the radiographs will usually show a distinct wavy white line above or near the apexes of the teeth. Mandibular Molar Area Mandibular molars show two roots that are distinct on radiographs. The mandibular nerve canal frequently shows as a dark, narrow band running horizontally under the apexes of the mandibular molars. The mandibular arch and the roots of the molars curve slightly toward the rear of the mouth. An impacted third molar will often be present on radiographs of the mandibular molar areas (F in fig. 1-60). Figure 1-59.—Full mouth periapical mount. 1-38