In the standard right angle method, the film or sensor is placed parallel to the axis of the lamp, but at a right angle to the tooth and film or sensor. This does not guarantee identical geometric conditions. Taking a series of x-rays of the same region will always result in pictures slightly displaced axially or rotated. Measurements of bone changes, for example, evaluating the dynamics of progressive periodontitis, are not precise. Objectives: The aim of this study was to elaborate a method of taking a series of x-rays in repeatable geometric conditions, giving the same distance measurements. Methods: Standard holders intended for the right angle method were used. To fix the holder position to the teeth, a bite-impression was used. Different impression materials were tested. A comparison of X-ray expositions was performed using a standard x-ray manipulating programme Vix-Win 2000 (Dentsply/Gendex) Second x-rays were taken after one week. Results: Multi criteria comparison revealed that Stents impression material is the most preferable for this method. After point-on-point superimposing pairs of the two images, only slight differences could be noticed. Measurement of visible elements length (teeth and bone) was similar in subsequent expositions. Statistical analyses of these differences was found to be inappropriate, because the average error in measurements was higher than the observed differences. Observed differences were not diagnostically significant. Conclusion: Using this method, we could take two similar x-ray images in the same geometric conditions in a period of time. The following indications for this method are proposed:1.) Control of remote therapeutic effects of surgical periodontal treatment. 2.) Evaluation of progression of periapical lesions. 3.) Periimplantitis evaluation. okon@amwaw.edu.pl

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Back to the 81st General Session of the International Association for Dental Research (June 25-28, 2003)

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