What is the primary use of an occlusal image?

The primary use of an occlusal image is to show most of an entire arch. This type of dental radiograph is designed to capture a larger area of the dental structure, which allows practitioners to evaluate the relationship and alignment of the teeth within the dental arch. By providing a view that encompasses several teeth at once, occlusal images are particularly useful for assessing bone structure, detecting cysts or tumors, and planning surgical procedures.

This is distinct from other types of radiographs, which may focus on smaller areas or specific details. For instance, radiographs that emphasize the crowns of teeth or the detection of decay between teeth tend to showcase limited information, whereas the occlusal image opens up a broader view that aids in comprehensive dental assessments. Additionally, while an occlusal image may allow for some visualization of the entire mouth, it's specifically designed with the intent to capture details of an entire arch, making it especially valuable in certain diagnostic contexts.