IOPA Techniques

IOPA Techniques

Write short note on IOPA.
Answer. Full form of IOPA is intra oral periapical X-ray.

Size of IOPA Films

• Size 0: (22 × 33 mm): Used in children for both periapical and bitewing films, used for small mouths.
• Size 1: (24 × 40 mm): Used for the adult anterior periapical.

IOPA full form in dentistry

• Size 2: (31 × 41 mm): Used for the adult posterior periapicals and can also be used for occlusal films in children.
• Size 3: (57 × 76 mm): Used for occlusal films (mainly in adults).

Contents of ioPa Film Packet

• One corner of IOPA film has a small raised dot which is used for orientation film. Indentation dot is present on film cover and film.
• As film is placed in mouth of the patient, side of the film with raised dot is positioned facing X-ray tube and towards the occlusion.

Intraoral periapical X-ray technique

• IOPA film packets consist of one or two sheets of film. Film is encased in the protective black paper wrapper and then in plastic wrapping which is resistant to moisture.
• Outer wrapping indicates location of raised dot and identifies which side of film should be directed towards X-ray tube.
• Between the wrapper, the is a thin lead foil backing that is embossed in the pattern. Foil is positioned in film packet behind the film away from tube.

Structures seen in IOPA

• Tooth
• Periapical structures
• Lamina dura
• Alveolar bone surrounding the tooth
• Inferior dental canal
• Maxillary antrum outline in relation to upper molars
• Outline of nasal cavity

Indications of IOPA

• Detection of apical infection/inflammation
• For assessing the periodontal status
• After trauma to assess the teeth and alveolar bone
• Assessment of presence and position of unerupted tooth

IOPA indications in dentistry

• Assessment of root morphology before extraction
• During endodontic therapy
• For preoperative assessment and postoperative appraisal of periapical surgery
• For detailed evaluation of apical cysts and other lesions within alveolar bone.
• For assessment of position and prognosis of implants.