1) mounted radiographs are quicker and easier to interpret.

2) Mounted radiographs are easily stored in the patient record, and are readily accessible for interpretation.

3) Film mounts decrease the chances of error in dtermining the patients right and left sides because each film is mounted in anatomic order.

4) Film mounts decrease the handling of individual films and prevent damage to the emulsion (ex: fingerprints; scratches).

5) Film mounts mask illumination immediately adjacent to individual radiographs and aid in interpretation.

1. Labial Mounting

2. Lingual Mounting Labial mounting is the preferred method in most dental offices.

1. Prepare for film mounting by placing a clean light colored paper towel over the work surface in front of the viewbox.

2. Turn on the viewbox.

3. Label and date the film mount.

4. Wash and dry hands.

5. Examine each radiograph, identify the embossed dot, and then place each radiograph on the paper towel with the raised side of the dot facing up (for labial mounting) or depressed (for lingual mounting). All radiographs must be mounted with the raised side of the dot facing the same direction. Handle radiographs by the edges only.

6. Sort the radiographs into three groups: bitewings, anterior periapicals, and posterior periapicals. Bite-wing films can be distinguished from periapical films because the crowns of both the upper and lower teeth are seen on the film. Anterior films can be distinguished from posterior periapical films because of the orientation and size of the films (anterior films are typically taken on size 1 films and the long axis of the film is orientated vertically. Posterior periapical films are typically taken in size 2 films and the long axis of the film is orientated horizontally.)

7. Arrange the radiographs on the work surface in anatomic order. The normal anatomic landmarks can be used to distinguish maxillary films from mandibular films. Maxillary films: roots orientated upward. Mandibular films: roots orientated downward.

8. Place each film in the corresponding frame of the film mount and secure it. The following order for film mounting is suggested:

    a. Max. anterior periapicals

    b. Mand. anterior periapicals

    c. Bite-wings

    d. Max. posterior periapicals

    e. Mand. posterior periapicals

9. Check all radiographs to ensure the following:

    a. All embossed dots are orientated correctly.

    b. All films are properly arranged in anatomic   

        order.

    c. All films are mounted securely.

    d. The film mount is properly labeled and dated.

1. A viewbox: is required to view dental radiographs accurately and assist in the interpretation of images. + the viewing area should be large enough to accomodate a variety of mounted films as well as unmounted extraoral films. + the light should be of uniform intensity and evenly diffused. + If the screen of the viewbox is not completely covered by mounted radiographs, the harsh light around the mounted films must be masked to reduce glare and intensify the detail and contrast of the radiographic images.

2. Magnification: the use of a pocket sized magnifying glass is helpful in interpretation. Magnification aids the viewer in evaluating slight changes in density and contrast in radiographic images.

1. Start with the maxillary teeth (the maxillary periapical films on the upper left side of the film mount).

2. Move hrizontally across to the left maxillary teeth (the maxillary periapical films on the upper right side of the mount).

3. Move down to the left mandibular teeth ( the mandibular periapical films on the lower right side of the mount).

4. Move horizontally across to the right mandibular teeth (the mandibular periapical films on the lower left side of the mount).

5. Move up to the bite-wing films. View bite-wings on the left side of the mount, and then move to the bite-wings on the right side of the mount.

The dental radiographer must use the recommended viewing sequence to examine films for each of the following:

1. Unerupted, missing, and impacted teeth.

2. Dental caries and the size and shape of the pulp chambers.

3. Bony changes, the level of alveolar bone, and calculus.

4. Roots and periapical areas.

5. All areas not previously examined (ex: remaining areas of the jaws, sinuses).

Many examinations of dental radiographs are necessary to check for all of the problems listed. For example: the films chould first be quickly viewed for evidence of unerupted, bony, or impacted teeth. Next, the examination sequence should be repeated for caries, pulp size, and pulp shape. The sequence must be repeated as many times as necessary to evaluate all surfaces of the teeth and supporting structures for evidence of disease and abnormalities. After film viewing, the dental professional must note any findings in the patients chart.