What is intraoral and extraoral? There are two main types of dentalX-rays: intraoral(meaning the X-ray film is inside the mouth) and extraoral(meaning the X-ray film is outside the mouth). IntraoralX-rays are the most common type of dentalX-ray taken.
What is the difference between intraoral and extraoral Xray?
Intraoral X-rays are the most common type of dental X-ray taken. Extraoral X-rays show teeth, but their main focus is the jaw and skull. Click to see full answer. Also know, what does intraoral mean? Medical Definition of intraoral : situated, occurring, or performed within the mouth intraoral ulcerations.
What does intraoral mean in medical terms?
Medical Definition of intraoral : situated, occurring, or performed within the mouth intraoral ulcerations. One may also ask, which is an example of an extraoral projection? Typical extraoral x-ray images include panoramic, cephalometric and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) projections.
What is the difference between intraoral and extraoral bitewings?
In correspondence with the name, intraoral bitewings are x-rays where the film (or with digital x-rays the sensor) is placed inside the mouth, and extraoral bitewings are taken outside the mouth. While intraoral bitewings may be more common, research suggests that extraoral bitewing x-rays provide more anatomical detail.
Why is intraoral and extraoral surveillance important?
We need to have an adequate medical history to treat, and we need to assess more than just the immediate intraoral area where the problem manifests. A complete intraoral and extraoral surveillance will allow for a complete understanding of the patient’s oral status and overall health.
What is intraoral and extraoral examination?
The General Examination: briefly assesses the patient's general appearance. The Extraoral Head and neck Soft Tissue examination: focuses on the head and neck. The Intraoral soft tissue examination: determines if the soft tissue is within normal limits (WNL)
What does intraoral mean?
within the mouthMedical Definition of intraoral : situated, occurring, or performed within the mouth intraoral ulcerations.
What is extraoral?
Medical Definition of extraoral : situated or occurring outside the mouth an extraoral abscess an extraoral dental appliance.
What is an extraoral image?
Extraoral images are acquired when the image receptor is positioned outside of the patient's mouth. Extraoral images are particularly beneficial for patients requiring orthodontic treatment, dental implants and oral surgical procedures.
What is an extraoral examination?
The general assessment and extra oral examination of the dental patient can identify undiagnosed or undisclosed medical conditions, such as malignancies, endocrine conditions and signs indicating raised cardiovascular or cerebral vascular risk.
What are extraoral radiographs?
What are Extraoral Radiographs? Like the first part of the name suggests, extraoral X-rays are made with the film outside the mouth. This type of X-ray still shows the teeth but can also provide important information about the jaw and skull.
What is the difference between intraoral and extraoral radiographs?
There are two main types of dental X-rays: intraoral (the X-ray film is inside the mouth) and extraoral (the X-ray film is outside the mouth). Intraoral X-rays are the most common type of X-ray. There are several types of intraoral X-rays. Each shows different aspects of teeth.
What are 3 types of intraoral radiographs?
There are three types of diagnostic radiographs taken in today's dental offices -- periapical (also known as intraoral or wall-mounted), panoramic, and cephalometric.
What is intraoral examination?
C. Intraoral soft tissue examination. The intraoral soft tissue examination includes checking the soft tissues of the mouth, the throat, the tongue and the gums. Lips and labial mucosa. The clinician will begin by examining the lips and the mucosa inside the lips called the labial mucosa.
What is intraoral and extraoral photographs?
What are extraoral and intraoral cameras? Extraoral cameras are used to take photos of the exterior of your face. Intraoral cameras are used to take photos of the interior of your mouth, including those hard-to-reach areas that are also difficult to see.
What is intraoral imaging?
Intraoral cameras (IO cameras) produce accurate images of teeth and the supporting structures, allowing patients to see problems with their teeth and/or gums including tarnished or corroded fillings, fractured teeth etc.
What is intraoral occlusal image?
Occlusal radiography is defined as those intraoral radiographic techniques taken using a dental X-ray set where the image receptor (film packet or digital phosphor plate – 5.7 × 7.6 cm) is placed in the occlusal plane. Suitable sized solid-state digital sensors are not currently available.
What is panoramic x-ray?
Extraoral X-rays are taken outside of the mouth and include a panoramic view. This view allows a dentist to survey the entire dentition and other important structures of the oral anatomy. This technique is ideal for a patient’s first X-ray or if she has not been seen by a dentist lately. However, the panoramic view does not have the resolution needed to diagnose smaller problems like small dental caries (tooth decay). Individual intraoral X-rays may be requested after reviewing the panoramic X-ray.
What is a periapical X-ray?
Periapical (“around the apex” or “around the tooth root”) X-rays allow for a view of the entire tooth, from the crown to the tooth root and the surrounding bone structure.
Can you take an intraoral and extraoral X-ray together?
Intraoral and extraoral X-rays might be taken together in one visit, or done separately. The two dental X-rays allow the dentist to see different angles of the tooth. They also complement each other when it comes to diagnosing any oral disease.
General assessment and overview
My process commences with a general assessment and overview for symmetry and extraoral evaluation for suspicious lesions in the head and neck region. These can be difficult conversations because the patient is usually aware of such lesions and may feel you should not extend your view beyond the oral cavity.
Extraoral exam
I then advise the patient that I will perform a thorough extraoral exam. I say I am evaluating the head and neck to make sure everything appears healthy; I’ll say I am assessing for any abnormalities.
Intraoral exam
After a general overview and complete head and neck exam, I progress to the oral cavity from the outside to the inside. Start with a visual inspection and palpation of the labial and buccal hard tissues of the gingiva and palate—the tongue, lateral borders, dorsum, and ventral surface—using gauze and a mirror to visualize all surfaces.
Takeaway
My take-home message is to be thorough, comprehensive, and skilled to knowledgably do your best as well as do the right thing for your patient’s overall health and your peace of mind, knowing you are a responsible and conscientious dental practitioner.

Introduction
Overview
- A complete examination covers the following three areas: 1. The General Examination: briefly assesses the patient’s general appearance 2. The Extraoral Head and neck Soft Tissue examination: focuses on the head and neck. 3. The Intraoral soft tissue examination: determines if the soft tissue is within normal limits (WNL)
Normal Structures That May Be Mistaken For Lesions
- Stensen's duct is the duct of the parotid gland. It opens into the mouth on the posterior buccal mucosa opposite the maxillary molars. The duct opening may be flat or slightly raised.
- The circumvallate papillae form a V-shaped row of rounded papillae at the junction of the anterior 2/3s and the posterior 1/3 of the tongue.
- The lingual tonsils are found on the posterior-lateral aspect of the oral tongue. They may bec…
- Stensen's duct is the duct of the parotid gland. It opens into the mouth on the posterior buccal mucosa opposite the maxillary molars. The duct opening may be flat or slightly raised.
- The circumvallate papillae form a V-shaped row of rounded papillae at the junction of the anterior 2/3s and the posterior 1/3 of the tongue.
- The lingual tonsils are found on the posterior-lateral aspect of the oral tongue. They may become enlarged with viral infections.
- Plica fimbriata are folds of mucosa on the ventral surface of the tongue on either side of the lingual frenum5. The folds may looked fringed due to mucosal tags.
Variations of Normal
- Fissured tongue is a common condition. Multiple grooves are seen on the dorsum or occasionally the lateral tongue. This is reported in 2% to 5% of the population6.
- Fordyce granules are ectopic sebaceous glands that occur on the oral mucosa. They are commonly seen on the buccal mucosa or the lateral vermillion of the upper lip. They appear as groups of yellowi...
- Fissured tongue is a common condition. Multiple grooves are seen on the dorsum or occasionally the lateral tongue. This is reported in 2% to 5% of the population6.
- Fordyce granules are ectopic sebaceous glands that occur on the oral mucosa. They are commonly seen on the buccal mucosa or the lateral vermillion of the upper lip. They appear as groups of yellowi...
- Varicosities are enlarged veins, commonly seen on the ventral tongue. These are usually seen in older patients. Varicosities blanch on pressure. A glass slide or glass test tube can be used to pres...
Common Oral Pathology
- Geographic tongue a common benign condition seen in 1% to 3% of the population6. The eitiology is unknown. The classic features are multiple pink or red circular or semicircular well-demarcated are...
- Linea Alba (white line) appears as a white (hyperkeratotic) horizontal line along the buccal mucosa at the level of the occlusal plane. This is a common condition and is often bilateral. I…
- Geographic tongue a common benign condition seen in 1% to 3% of the population6. The eitiology is unknown. The classic features are multiple pink or red circular or semicircular well-demarcated are...
- Linea Alba (white line) appears as a white (hyperkeratotic) horizontal line along the buccal mucosa at the level of the occlusal plane. This is a common condition and is often bilateral. It is due...
- Benign vascular lesions appear as red or purple areas on the oral mucosa. These are usually seen in older patients. They blanch on pressure. A glass slide or glass test tube can be used to press on...
- Morsicatio buccarum or cheek biting appears as a ragged slightly translucent area on the bu…