The title Interpreting Dental Radiographs indicates the intended prac-
tical nature of this book. It is hoped that students, practitioners,
dental radiologists and senior radiographers will find this
straightforward volume a useful chairside as it covers the common, and
some of the more rare, companion, radiological appearances seen within
the field of dentistry. Medical radiologists should find the text and
related radiographic examples a useful supplement to their knowledge of
general radiology. The writer has attempted to indicate that
interpretation of dental radiographs is not always simple and
straightforward, particularly when considering periapical changes and
neoplasms. Careful assess- ment of the whole radiograph is essential to
avoid the pitfall of developing 'tunnel vision'! No apology is given for
the repetitive indication of the types of radiographic views necessary
to illustrate structures and pathological processes. It is hoped that
this will make students realise the importance of requesting the correct
radiographic views for the condition under consideration. The few
references given should open the field of further reading to those
interested in dental radiology.