ORAL & MAXILLOFACIAL

RADIOLOGY

Object Localization
Techniques
DR.MOHAMMED R.SHAMIAH
MSC. ORAL & MAXILLOFACIAL SURGERY
 OBJECT LOCALIZATION
TECHNIQUES

• These are techniques used to locate the

position of an object or tooth in the jaws.

• The dental radiograph is a two- dimensional

presentation for a three dimensional object:
- Vertical (length or S-I).
- Horizontal (width or A-P).
- Depth (B-L).

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• The conventional radiograph shows only the
first 2 dimensions. Localization is used to
overcome this problem.

• Indicated for localization of foreign bodies,

impacted teeth, unerupted teeth, stones,
root positions and filling materials.

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 METHODS USED TO LOCALIZE
OBJECTS:

1- Right angle technique.

2- Cross –sectional occlusal technique(only

for lower jaw).

3- Clark’s Rule (Buccal Object Rule).

4- Tube –shift technique.

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 1- RIGHT ANGLE TECHNIQUE

• Two projection are taken at right angles to

each other.
• Standard periapical radiograph is taken to
show the position of the object superio-
inferiorly and A-P.
• Next an occlusal radiograph is taken which
will show the bucco-lingual and posterio-
anterior relation.
• The 2 radiographs when studied together will
help to localize the object in all three
dimensions.
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• Application:

To detect stones in the submandibular duct

that may appear superimposed on the roots
of lower posterior teeth.

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 2- CROSS –SECTION TECHNIQUE:

• It’s the most commonly used method to localize

mandibular objects.
• In the maxilla, it is not recommanded because of
the superimposition of the frontal, nasal and
maxillary bones over the image.
• Its principle depends on the projection of the central
ray perpendicular on the film to show the bucco-
lingual relation of an object.
• The film is placed on the occlusal plane and the
central ray is directed perpendicular to the film.

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Dr.Mohammed R.Shamiah 9
- Applications:

• Localization of impacted or erupted teeth.

• Localization of odontomes.
• Detection of lesion extension in the bucco-
lingual direction.

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 3- CLARK’S RULE (BUCCAL OBJECT
RULE):
• Its basic principle is that the relative position of the
radiographic images of 2 separate objects changes
when the projection angle at which the exposure
was made is changed.
• (Different horizontal angle is used)

• 2 periapical radiographs are taken, the image is

interpreted using the SLOP rule (Same Lingual
Opposite Buccal).

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• When the tube moves mesially and the unknown
object moves also mesially in relation to referance
object, then this unknown object lies lingual to the
referance structure.

• Meanwhile, When the tube moves mesially and the

object moves distally, then this unknown object lies
buccal to the referance structure.

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CLARK’S RULE

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- Applications:

• To Detect the position of the two roots of upper

1st premolar in endodontic treatment.

• To differentiate between anatomic structure and

lesions related to the teeth(mental foramen &
periapical pathosis).

• Location of impacted tooth either buccal or

lingual.
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 4- TUBE –SHIFT TECHNIQUE:

• Its basic principle is that the relative position

of the radiographic images of 2 separate
objects changes when the projection angle
at which the exposure was made is changed.
• (Different vertical angle is used)

• 2 periapical radiographs are taken, the

image is interpreted using the SLOP rule
(Same Lingual Opposite Buccal).

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• When the tube moves upwards and the
unknown object moves also upwards in
relation to referance object, then this
unknown object lies lingual to the referance
structure.

• Meanwhile, When the tube moves upwards

and the object moves downwards, then this
unknown object lies buccal to the referance
structure.
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TUBE –SHIFT TECHNIQUE

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- Applications:

• To differentiate between enamel pearl on

the surface of the tooth and pulp stone
inside the pulp.

• To move the malar bone from being

superimposed on the roots of upper
posterior teeth.

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•Thank you

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