What type of radiograph is made with the film or image receptor placed on the occlusal surfaces of the arches?

An occlusal radiograph is specifically designed to capture the entire arch of teeth in a single image, which is achieved by placing the film or image receptor along the occlusal surfaces of the teeth. This type of radiograph provides a broader view of the dental arch and is particularly useful for assessing the position of teeth, the presence of unerupted teeth, or any abnormalities in the bone structure.

The orientation and placement of the film on the occlusal surfaces allow for visualization of the entirety of the dental arch, which can help in diagnosing conditions that may not be visible in more localized radiographs, such as periapical or bitewing images.

In contrast, periapical radiographs capture specific areas of the tooth, including the crown, root, and surrounding bone. Bitewing radiographs, on the other hand, are used primarily to assess interproximal surfaces for caries and are placed in the bite together with the patient's occlusion. Panoramic radiographs provide a broad view of the entire mouth in a single image, but they do not focus specifically on the occlusal surfaces in the same manner as occlusal radiographs do.