Final answer:
To position for a VD Intraoral Mandible view, the patient should be placed supine with the head turned for a right lateral view and stabilized. The right side of the jaw should be parallel and closest to the image receptor, and the central ray should be perpendicular through the mandible. Understanding the TMJ and its movements is crucial for accurate positioning.
Step-by-step explanation:
To position for a ventrodorsal (VD) Intraoral Mandible view, it is crucial to understand and demonstrate the anatomical position of the mandible. As the mandible is the only moveable bone of the skull, it's important that the patient's head and skull are accurately positioned for the x-ray. The purpose of this projection is often to evaluate the mandibular body, the ramus, and the lower dental structures.
The patient should be placed in a supine position with the top of their head resting securely against the image receptor. The right lateral view can be achieved by having the patient turn their head to the left, ensuring that the right side of the jaw is closest to the image receptor while remaining parallel to it. The head should be stabilized to avoid movement and ensure a clear image. Specifically, for the VD view, the central ray should be perpendicular to the image receptor and directed through the mandible.
Understanding the movement and anatomy of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is also essential. The TMJ allows for the opening of the mouth through two motions: an anterior gliding motion of the articular disc along with the mandible and the downward hinging of the mandible itself. During initial mouth opening, the initial movement is chiefly a rotation within the lower compartment of the TMJ, followed by the translational movement into the upper compartment for wider opening.