Dental OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination) Practice Exam

What radiographic view is typically used to visualize a sialolith present in the submandibular ducts?

1. Occlusal

2. Panoramic

3. Cone-beam CT

4. Lateral cephalometric

The correct answer is: Occlusal

The occlusal view is particularly useful for visualizing sialoliths in the submandibular ducts due to its ability to provide a broad, top-down perspective of the oral cavity and the surrounding structures. This projection helps to highlight the area where the submandibular gland and duct are located, often allowing for a clear depiction of any calcifications or stones that may be present. In this view, the patient's occlusal plane is aligned horizontally, making it easier to assess midline structures and identify abnormalities in the alveolar bone or salivary gland region. This characteristic is especially beneficial for locating sialoliths that can obstruct the duct, as these stones might not be as readily visible on other radiographic views. Other views, such as panoramic or cone-beam CT, while valuable in certain diagnostics, do not provide the same level of detail for localized assessment of the submandibular duct area. Meanwhile, lateral cephalometric radiographs are designed primarily for orthodontic evaluation and profile analysis, thus not suitable for identifying sialoliths specifically.