Reference library.
Find a finding. Understand its look-alikes.
Normal anatomy
The landmarks that are always there, and where each one sits when you go looking.
Alveolar crest
The alveolar crest is the alveolar bone crest — the interproximal bone landmark whose distance from the cemento-enamel junction is measured on bitewings.…
Lamina dura
The lamina dura is the thin layer of dense cortical bone lining a tooth socket. On a radiograph it reads as a fine radiopaque line running around the…
Mental foramen
The mental foramen is the opening in the body of the mandible that carries the mental nerves and vessels [16]. On a radiograph it reads as a small round…
Nasopalatine canal
The nasopalatine canal, also called the incisive canal, is a bony canal through the anterior maxilla that connects the oral and nasal cavities [1].
Nutrient canals
Nutrient canals are passages through the alveolar bone that carry vessels and nerves to the teeth and their supporting structures.
Periodontal ligament space
The periodontal ligament space is the thin radiolucent line between a tooth's root and the lamina dura, the space the periodontal ligament occupies. It…
Stafne bone cavity
A Stafne bone cavity is a depression in the lingual surface of the mandible, usually holding part of the submandibular gland or fat. On a panoramic…
Every entry covers appearance, look-alikes, and how to tell them apart.