ORAL & MAXILLOFACIAL
RADIOLOGY
Object Localization
Techniques
DR.MOHAMMED R.SHAMIAH
MSC. ORAL & MAXILLOFACIAL SURGERY
OBJECT LOCALIZATION
TECHNIQUES
• These are techniques used to locate the
position of an object or tooth in the jaws.
• The dental radiograph is a two- dimensional
presentation for a three dimensional object:
- Vertical (length or S-I).
- Horizontal (width or A-P).
- Depth (B-L).
Dr.Mohammed R.Shamiah 2
• The conventional radiograph shows only the
first 2 dimensions. Localization is used to
overcome this problem.
• Indicated for localization of foreign bodies,
impacted teeth, unerupted teeth, stones,
root positions and filling materials.
Dr.Mohammed R.Shamiah 3
METHODS USED TO LOCALIZE
OBJECTS:
1- Right angle technique.
2- Cross –sectional occlusal technique(only
for lower jaw).
3- Clark’s Rule (Buccal Object Rule).
4- Tube –shift technique.
Dr.Mohammed R.Shamiah 4
1- RIGHT ANGLE TECHNIQUE
• Two projection are taken at right angles to
each other.
• Standard periapical radiograph is taken to
show the position of the object superio-
inferiorly and A-P.
• Next an occlusal radiograph is taken which
will show the bucco-lingual and posterio-
anterior relation.
• The 2 radiographs when studied together will
help to localize the object in all three
dimensions.
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Dr.Mohammed R.Shamiah 6
• Application:
To detect stones in the submandibular duct
that may appear superimposed on the roots
of lower posterior teeth.
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2- CROSS –SECTION TECHNIQUE:
• It’s the most commonly used method to localize
mandibular objects.
• In the maxilla, it is not recommanded because of
the superimposition of the frontal, nasal and
maxillary bones over the image.
• Its principle depends on the projection of the central
ray perpendicular on the film to show the bucco-
lingual relation of an object.
• The film is placed on the occlusal plane and the
central ray is directed perpendicular to the film.
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Dr.Mohammed R.Shamiah 9
- Applications:
• Localization of impacted or erupted teeth.
• Localization of odontomes.
• Detection of lesion extension in the bucco-
lingual direction.
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3- CLARK’S RULE (BUCCAL OBJECT
RULE):
• Its basic principle is that the relative position of the
radiographic images of 2 separate objects changes
when the projection angle at which the exposure
was made is changed.
• (Different horizontal angle is used)
• 2 periapical radiographs are taken, the image is
interpreted using the SLOP rule (Same Lingual
Opposite Buccal).
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• When the tube moves mesially and the unknown
object moves also mesially in relation to referance
object, then this unknown object lies lingual to the
referance structure.
• Meanwhile, When the tube moves mesially and the
object moves distally, then this unknown object lies
buccal to the referance structure.
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CLARK’S RULE
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- Applications:
• To Detect the position of the two roots of upper
1st premolar in endodontic treatment.
• To differentiate between anatomic structure and
lesions related to the teeth(mental foramen &
periapical pathosis).
• Location of impacted tooth either buccal or
lingual.
Dr.Mohammed R.Shamiah 14
4- TUBE –SHIFT TECHNIQUE:
• Its basic principle is that the relative position
of the radiographic images of 2 separate
objects changes when the projection angle
at which the exposure was made is changed.
• (Different vertical angle is used)
• 2 periapical radiographs are taken, the
image is interpreted using the SLOP rule
(Same Lingual Opposite Buccal).
Dr.Mohammed R.Shamiah 15
• When the tube moves upwards and the
unknown object moves also upwards in
relation to referance object, then this
unknown object lies lingual to the referance
structure.
• Meanwhile, When the tube moves upwards
and the object moves downwards, then this
unknown object lies buccal to the referance
structure.
Dr.Mohammed R.Shamiah 16
TUBE –SHIFT TECHNIQUE
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- Applications:
• To differentiate between enamel pearl on
the surface of the tooth and pulp stone
inside the pulp.
• To move the malar bone from being
superimposed on the roots of upper
posterior teeth.
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•Thank you
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