Mounting dental radiographs for projection or chairside viewing

Mounting dental radiographs for projection or chairside viewing

TlPS FROM OUR REAIWRL, Mounting dental radiographs for projection or chairside viewing Otto C. Tebrock, D. D. S. * USAF Hospital, Wiesbaden. Germ...

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TlPS FROM OUR REAIWRL,

Mounting

dental radiographs

for projection

or chairside viewing

Otto C. Tebrock, D. D. S. * USAF Hospital, Wiesbaden. Germany

This article describes a method of distortion-free magnification of dental radiographs and their efficient positioning for referral during clinical operations, Paper or plastic mounts for 135 mm slides will accommodate periapical dental radiographs with minimal overlap by the mount on the film. The mounts may be purchased from photographic supply shops, or they can be salvaged from transparencies which are being discarded. Remove the old film from its paper mount by inserting a scalpel blade between the film and the mount, pushing out toward the side until the side is separated. The shorter side is most easily separated. The blade is then moved around the inside to break any adhesions so the film is free to slide out the unzipped side. The radiograph is slipped in to replace the discarded 135 mm film (Fig. 1). Plastic mounts are sprung open by inserting the scalpel between the halves and twisting. The refilled slide mounts can be put into any slide viewer or projector and magnified to any dimension. They are usable for consultations, group presentations, or minute examination by accurate enlargement on a suitable screen. An operatory light, when fitted with a Lexan shield, can be used as a radiograph viewbox in close proximity to the patient. The slide-mounted radiograph is placed between the rim of the reflector and the Lexan shield (Fig. 2). The reflector acts as a slight diffuser providing less than a 400 candle power difference between the unfocused light at the screen and ambient room light. This difference will not cause eye fatigue. The film mount excludes some light around the radiograph, but the brightness of light is enough to bring out detail not seen under ordinary room light conditions. The dentist can easily refer to the radiograph, and the patient is protected from ultraviolet radiation or debris should the lamp burst.

Fig. 1. Radiograph slide mount.

is encased within

color

transparencv

APO NEW YORK 09220 The opinions expressed are the views of the author and arr not fo be construed as official or as reflecting the views of the U.S. Air Furcr *Lieutenant

456

Colonel, USAF (DC).

APRIL 1981

VOLUME

45

NUMBER

4

Fig. 2. Mounted for easy reference

radiograph by dentist

OO22-3913/81/@40456

is placed on operating or dental hygienist.

+ 01$00.10/00

light

1981 ‘l’he C. V. Mosby Co