Arthur H. Wuehrmann

A radiographic study of nutrient canals

The purpose of this investigation was to determine the incidence of nutrient canals in a randomly selected population and to correlate the presence of nutrient canals with a variety of factors related to the life of the individual. One hundred sixty patients, 25 years of age or older, having at least six teeth in each arch and requiring a complete-mouth radiographic survey were used. Nutrient canals were found associated with race, high blood pressure, advanced periodontal conditions, multidirectional trabeculae, and small trabecular spaces.

Radiation dosimetry and intraoral radiographic techniques. II. Internal and external dose measurements

Abstract Absorbed doses of x-radiation delivered to a Rando phantom head by seven intraoral radiographic techniques were measured during production of acceptable single molar bitewing radiographs. Techniques included three kilovoltages (50, 65, and 90 KVP), three source-to-skin distances (4.5, 8.5, and 16.5 inches), and two types of position-indicating devices (lead-lined cylinders and pointed plastic cones). One hundred fourteen thermoluminescent dosimeters were placed in the head and positioned to measure intrabeam and extrabeam doses. Skin entrance doses were higher for low KVP and plastic cone techniques. Doses recorded at skin exit surfaces were low and indicated that little radiation escaped from the phantom during exposure. Single bitewing film surface doses which produced comparable film densities ranged from 70.35 mrads to 79.95 mrads for all except the 50 KVP technique, which required a dose of 95.75 mrads. The 65 KVP, 16.5 inch source-to-skin distance, and open-end, lead-lined cylinder technique gave the lowest total measured dose of all techniques, followed by the 90 KVP, 16.5 inch source-to-skin distance, and open-end, lead-lined cylinder technique. Techniques utilizing pointed plastic cones delivered the greatest total doses, with the 50 KVP, 4.5 inch source-to-skin distance, and pointed cone technique ranking poorest.

X-radiation in dental offices in Jefferson county, Alabama: II. Darkroom facilities and processing techniques

Abstract The first portion of this article reviewed the results of a survey of dental offices in Jefferson County, Alabama, in so far as darkroom facilities and processing techniques were concerned. The discussion phase of the presentation reviewed in a detailed fashion well-established fundamentals which apply to such facilities and techniques. X-radiation must be used when needed. The onus is on the practitioner not to use radiation in a useless or wasteful fashion. When inadequate darkroom facilities or techniques result in a film of less than optimum quality, the radiation used to produce that film has been used in a partially or wholly useless and wasteful manner.

X-radiation in dental offices in Jefferson County, Alabama. III

Abstract An intensive radiologic health survey in the dental offices of Jefferson County, Alabama, has been described. The survey included personal interviews, inspection of each facility, and detailed monitoring procedures. The results of the survey have been outlined in general terms. A more detailed report, involving specific aspects of the survey, will be published in the immediate future.

Radiation dosimetry and intraoral radiographic techniques: I. X-ray beam patterns within the head☆

Abstract The clinical objective of this study was to determine comparative dose distributions delivered to the patients head by seven intraoral radiographic techniques. These techniques included three kilovoltages (50, 65, and 90 KVP), three source-to-skin distances (4.5, 8.5, and 16.5 inches), and two types of position-indicating devices (lead-lined cylinders and pointed plastic cones). In Part I of this study, sheets of unexposed radiographic film were placed between layers of a Rando phantom head for exposure by all techniques. A bitewing film was constantly in a clinically useful position. Study of exposed films indicated the size, shape, and orientation of each primary beam within the head. Shorter position-indicating devices produced wider primary beam outlines than long devices. Radiation absorption by metal foil backings in bitewing film packets and radiation scattering outside the primary beam were visualized.

A survey of the qualifications and training of dental radiology faculty members and of their radiologic facilities.

Abstract Information pertaining to the teaching of radiology to dental students is presented.

Extraoral techniques; the lateral jaw.

Abstract A simple procedure for examining roentgenographically the entire mandible and the maxilla, with the exception of the midline area, has been explained. Several illustrations have been included for purposes of clarification.

Radiation Dosimetry and Intraoral Radiographic Techniques. I. X-Ray Beam Patterns within the Head

Oral. Surg. 38 :151-160 (1974) The clinical objective of this study was to determine comparative dose distributions delivered to the patients head by seven intraoral radiographic. These techniques included three kilovoltages 50,65, and 90 kVp), three sourceto-skin distances (4,5, 8.5, and 16.5 inches) and two types of position-indicating devices (leadlined cylinders and pointed plastic cones). In Part I of this study, sheets of unexposed radiographic film were placed between layers of a Rando phantom head for exposure by all techniques. A bitewing film was constantly in a clinically useful position. Study of exposed films indicated the size, shape, and orientation of each primary beam within the head. Shorter position-indicating devices produced wider primary beam outlines than long devices. Radiation absorption by metal foil backings in

Dental radiology—A special area of dental practice

Abstract For years the American Academy of Dental Radiology has tried without success to convince the American Dental Association of the desirability of declaring dental radiology a special area of dental practice. In the report that follows, the Academy presents some arguments in support of its contention that dental radiology should be given specialty status.

Where are we going in radiation protection

Abstract An effort has been made to emphasize the importance of education in answering the challenge: “Where are we going in radiation protection?” Radiation protection and the entire discipline of radiology become synonymous when one thinks in terms of diagnostic yield per unit of radiation exposure. Many persons and groups need to be educated in a variety of ways in order to improve the standards of dental practice and concurrently improve the risk-gain ratio that always must be considered whenever ionizing radiation is used. Dentistrys small contribution to the populations ionizing radiation exposure cannot be used as an excuse to justify inadequacies. There exists a health problem of unknown magnitude involving present and future generations. This must be recognized by all individuals and groups, both within and outside dentistry, who have the potential for exercising control. Recognition and remedy of the problem must come through education. This is one way we should be going in radiation protection.