Simple X-ray film holder for lateral view of the anterior jaws using dental X-ray apparatus.

A new X-ray apparatus, the occlusal X-ray film holder, was devised so that the lateral view of the jaw could be studied. This apparatus could easily be adjusted to a dental X-ray cone. In 21 cases of impacted teeth, cysts or foreign body in the maxilla and mandible and 6 cases that necessitated examination before or after implantation, the efficacy of this apparatus was confirmed. Its advantages are: it is applicable to dental X-ray equipment; it is cheap; there is no need for image intensifying to get a clear image; and follow-up examination is possible. We believe that this film holder would be useful for the diagnosis of lesions in the anterior maxilla and mandible as well as in the general dental clinic.