Radiographic Investigations
1. Dental assessment—periapicals, OPG, upper anterior occlusal view.
2. Canines—parallax view with upper anterior occlusal and periapicals / OPG/ lateral skull.
3. Salivary calculi—if radiopaque will show on mandibular occlusal view and OPG. Sialography is the gold standard.
4. TMJ views—High OPG open and closed, also on occasions:
¨ Reverse Towne’s (good for fractures)
¨ CT
¨ MRI
5. Mandibular fractures— OPG, PA mandible, mandibular occlusal, reverse Towne’s (for condylar fracture).
6. Facial fractures—Skull X-ray and cervical spine as indicated by extent of trauma
¨ Occipitomental 15 and 30
¨ Lateral skull
¨ SMV for possible arch fractures
¨ Upper maxillary occlusal for palatal fracture
¨ OPG to exclude any dental injury
¨ Soft tissue lateral view of nose if indicated
7. Chest X-ray—essential for excluding inhalation of avulsed tooth or restoration.
See also Pre-op checklist