1. 21
Mounting and Introduction to Interpretation

2. Objectives Define the key words.
List at least five advantages of mounting radiographs.
Discuss the use and importance of the identification dot.
Compare labial and lingual methods of film mounting.

3. Objectives
Demonstrate mounting radiographs according to the suggested steps presented.
List at least five anatomic generalizations that aid in mounting radiographs.
Compare interpretation and diagnosis.

4. Objectives
Describe the roles of the film mount, viewbox, and magnification in viewing radiographs.
List considerations for reading digital radiographic images not encountered when reading film-based radiographs.
Demonstrate viewing radiographs according to the suggested steps presented.

5. Key Words Anatomical order Diagnosis Film mount Film mounting
Identification dot
Interpretation

6. Key Words
Labial mounting method
Lingual mounting method
Viewbox

7. Introduction
Mounting is an important step in the interpretation of dental radiographs.
Dental radiographs must be mounted in the correct anatomic order to allow for a thorough and systematic interpretation.
A thorough knowledge of the normal anatomy of the teeth and jaws is needed to mount radiographs correctly.

8. Mounting Radiographs
Intraoral radiographs are easier to view and interpret in the correct anatomical position.
Mounting decreases the chance of error caused by confusing the patient’s right and left sides.
Viewing films side-by-side allows for easy comparison between different views.

9. Mounting Radiographs
Less handling of individual radiographs results in fewer scratches and fingerprint marks.
Film mounts can mask out distracting sidelight making radiographs easier to view and interpret.
Film mounts provide a means for labeling the radiographs with patient’s name, date of exposure, name of the practice, etc.

10. Mounting Radiographs Mounted films are easy to store.
Patient education and consultations are enhanced when films are mounted.
When mounted labially, radiographic findings can be easily transferred to the patient’s dental chart.

11. Figure 21-1 Full mouth series mounted in an opaque mount.

12. Mounting Radiographs Film mounts Identification dot
Film mounting methods
Film mounting procedure

13. Figure 21-2 Examples of various film mounts
Figure Examples of various film mounts. Film mounts are available in a variety of sizes and film combinations.

14. Figure 21-3 Lingual method of film mounting
Figure Lingual method of film mounting. When the identification dot is viewed in the concave position, the viewer’s orientation is from behind the patient. The patient’s left is the viewer’s left.

15. Figure 21-4 Labial method of film mounting
Figure Labial method of film mounting. When the identification dot is viewed in the convex position, the viewer’s orientation is in front of and facing the patient. The patient’s left is the viewer’s right.

16. PROCEDURE 21-1 Suggested sequence for mounting a full mouth series of radiographs

17. TABLE 21-1 Anatomical Landmarks Distinguishing Maxillary Radiographs from Mandibular Radiographs

18. Viewing the Radiographs
Interpretation versus diagnosis
Viewing equipment

19. Figure 21-5 Radiographer viewing radiographs
Figure Radiographer viewing radiographs. Radiographs should be viewed in subdued room lighting, using a viewbox and a magnifying glass. Note the black film mount that blocks distracting light around the films.

20. Figure 21-6 Viewboxes come in many varieties
Figure Viewboxes come in many varieties. Note the attached magnifying device on three of these viewboxes. (Courtesy of Dentsply Rinn.)

21. Figure 21-7 Proper sequence for viewing radiographs
Figure Proper sequence for viewing radiographs. The radiographer should view the radiographs in the sequence illustrated. Start with number 1 and proceed clockwise through number 18.

22. PROCEDURE 21-2 Suggested sequence for viewing a full mouth series of radiographs

23. Using Mounted Radiographs
Radiographs should be developed and mounted as soon as possible and placed on the viewbox during the patient’s appointment for easy reference during treatment.
At each subsequent appointment, the latest radiographs should be placed on the viewbox, where they can be easily accessed as needed.

24. Using Mounted Radiographs
Once the interpretation is complete, the radiographs should be filed appropriately and kept indefinitely as part of the patient’s permanent record.
Although radiographs often lose value after more than 6 months to 1 year due to changes in the patient’s oral conditions, they are valuable for comparing present with previous conditions.

25. Review: Chapter Summary
A thorough knowledge of normal radiographic anatomical landmarks is needed for mounting and interpreting radiographs.
To aid in accurate and fast mounting of radiographs, a systematic procedure should be followed.
Viewing radiographs is facilitated with the use of a viewbox and magnification.

26. Review: Chapter Summary
Radiographs should be interpreted thoroughly during or after the patient’s appointment.
Radiographs should be accurately labeled and filed and kept indefinitely.

27. Recall: Study Questions
General
Chapter Review

28. Reflect: Case Study
These four radiographs have just exited the automatic processor. Based on what you learned in this chapter, correctly “mount” each of these four radiographs by writing the corresponding number in the correct frame of the film mount. Assuming the identification dots are all positioned convex, label the film mount indicating the left and right sides. Then address the following:

29. Reflect: Case Study
Describe how you determined which side was the left and which side was the right.
List the steps you followed to mount these radiographs correctly.
List three generalizations you used to mount these films.
List three final checks you would make to double-check your mounting procedure.

30. Reflect: Case Study

31. Reflect: Case Study

32. Relate: Laboratory Application
Proceed to Chapter 21, Laboratory Application, to complete this activity.