Author: Dr. Shawneen Gonzalez

DDS, MS, Diplomate ABOMR
3 min read 3

Radiographic Technique: Horizontal Angle

What is horizontal angle? Horizontal angle refers to the position the Position Indicating Device (PID or cone) is along the axial plane.    Horizontal angle can be increased or decreased.  A zero degree horizontal angle is when the PID is positioned parallel with the sagittal plane.  Increasing horizontal angle moves it towards…
1 min read 0

Case of the Week: Dens invaginatus

This week I have a case of dens invaginatus.  Dens invaginatus is an infolding of enamel from the incisal or occlusal surface of a tooth.  It is most commonly associated with maxillary lateral incisors but can be found on many other teeth in the oral cavity.  This case is a…
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Retaking radiographs: Are you in or are you out?

With a new school year about to start, we will have many new students entering the clinic with little experience making radiographs.  With this comes many retakes.  The one thing I will also be asked by the returning students is why some private offices (they were in rotations over the…
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Case of the Week: Dilaceration

This week I have a case of dilaceration (an abnormal curvature of a root or roots).  It is important to note that a dilaceration is an ABNORMAL curvature and not to be confused with roots that normally have a slight curve to them (such as the mesio-buccal and disto-buccal roots…
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Why a radiograph and x ray are not the same thing

Many, many people and dental professionals incorrectly use the term x ray when referring to a radiograph.  I am quite the nitpick on this and other terminology, which drives my students up the walls from time to time.  I’m not sure why or how everyone learned to incorrectly identify a…