Sm. Jenkins et al., RADIOGRAPHIC AMELOCEMENTAL JUNCTION AND ALVEOLAR CREST - EFFECT OF X-RAY-BEAM ANGULATION, Journal of oral rehabilitation, 22(9), 1995, pp. 679-684
The effect of X-ray beam angulation on the radiographic images of the
amelocemental junction (ACJ) and alveolar crest (AC) and their positio
ns relative to one another were assessed using a new laboratory model
for radiographic studies. A total of 39 teeth with 62 usable approxima
l surfaces were included in the investigation. When all tooth types we
re combined, changes in vertical or horizontal angulation from baselin
e through 20 degrees had no significant effect on the distance between
the marked (true) ACJ and marked (true) AC. However, the distance bet
ween the apparent (radiographic) ACJ and apparent (radiographic) AC wa
s significantly reduced by varying the beam angulation in either a ver
tical or horizontal direction. Results for individual tooth types were
qualitatively similar but larger discrepancies were found in molars f
ollowed by premolars and incisors. The results emphasize the importanc
e of maintaining the ideal X-ray beam, tooth, bone, film relationship
when taking radiographs for the assessment of periodontal destruction.