Occlusal

Question 1

What are the two types of occlusals

Answer 1

Can get oblique or true – true is only possible on the lower as it is cross sectional

Question 2

Indications of oblique occlusals

Answer 2

o want a periapical type assessment where periapicals are not possibly
o pathology is too large to be seen on a single periapical
o trauma – fractures of teeth and alveolus
o localization using parallax (+ panoramic, or other occlusal or periapical)

Question 3

Head position for oblique occlusal

Answer 3

Require occlusal plane (of jaw being examined) to be horizonal
Altered by degree of mouth opening
Requires external soft tissue points to assess if correct
For the maxilla we want the ala-tragus line (lateral border of nose opening to external auditory meatus) to be parallel to the floor
For the mandible we want the corner of the mouth to the tragus line to be horizontal and parallel to the floor
Want mid-saggital plane perpendicular to the floor
Centering points
* for the maxilla – 1cm above the ala-tragus line
* for the mandible – through the lower border of the mandible

Question 4

Indications of true occlusal

Answer 4

o detection of submandibular duct calculi
o assessment of bucco-lingual position of unerupted teeth unless advanced imaging indicated
o evaluation of pathological bucco lingual expansion
o horizontal displacement of fractures