Cephalometric Radiograph
Pronunciation: sef-uh-loh-MET-rik
A standardised lateral or posteroanterior extraoral radiograph of the skull used to assess skeletal and dental relationships, primarily in orthodontic and oral surgery planning.
Full Definition
A cephalometric radiograph is taken with the patient's head in a fixed, reproducible position using a cephalostat, allowing quantitative angular and linear measurements (cephalometric analysis) of jaw relationships, tooth inclinations, and soft tissue profiles. While principally an orthodontic and surgical planning tool, dental hygienists may encounter cephalometric references in comprehensive examination records or when treating patients undergoing orthodontic therapy. Editors should distinguish this from a panoramic radiograph, which also shows the jaws but in a curved projection without the standardised positioning required for cephalometric measurement. The abbreviated form 'ceph' is common in clinical parlance but should be expanded at first use in formal documents.
Usage
Usage note: Expand 'ceph' to 'cephalometric radiograph' at first use in clinical reports or published articles. Specify 'lateral' or 'posteroanterior' where applicable.
In Context
- "The orthodontist's referral letter included a cephalometric radiograph indicating a Class II skeletal pattern." — Interdisciplinary referral document
- "The term 'ceph' should be expanded to 'cephalometric radiograph' on first mention in the case study narrative." — Copy-editing annotation