X-ray help

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fayevalentine

See you space cowboy.
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Hi, I am a newer dental assistant and am struggling with x-rays. My anterior PA's are pretty good, and my bitewings usually turn out decent, but the posterior PA's are a pain! I frequently cone cut and catch only the molars. Does anyone have any advice? I am terrified every time I have to take an FMX because I don't want to disappoint my dentist, and I usually end up having to retake a few.

Thank you for reading!
 
Don't you use XCP's? You will rarely cone cut when using those.
 
I do sometimes but we only have the one in my office and when it gets busy there are times I can't get the equipment autoclaved in time for the next patient.
 
I see, well what I do when not using the XCP is ask the patient to smile real wide when they are biting down on the bite tab so that I can see their teeth. That way you can get an idea of where to place the cone.
 
Ask your employer to purchase more XCPs. If positioned properly and tolerated by the patient (especially if using sensors) they guarantee a diagnostic radiograph. If using bitewing tabs or wingers with sensors then center the tab on the teeth in the exposure (bicuspids or molars) film or sensor parallel to the teeth as close as possible . Have the patient close fully on the tab. Center the tab in the cone and make sure the outer surface of the cone is parallel to the outer edge of the tab. You should have good contacts, proper bucco-lingual angulation and interproximal bone height.
 
Thank you both for your advice. I will continue to practice.
 
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