Final answer:
To radiograph a patient with jaw locking, a panoramic radiograph is commonly used to capture an image of the entire jaw. This allows dentists to assess any abnormalities or causes of jaw locking. If more information is needed, additional imaging techniques like cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) can be used.
Step-by-step explanation:
When radiographing a patient with jaw locking, a panoramic radiograph is commonly used to capture an image of the entire jaw, including both the upper and lower jaws. This type of radiograph provides a comprehensive view of the structures in the oral cavity, allowing dentists to assess any abnormalities or causes of jaw locking.
The panoramic radiograph is taken by positioning the patient's head in a specialized machine, which rotates around their head while taking the image. This allows for a clear visualization of the temporomandibular joints (TMJ) and the surrounding structures, which are often the source of jaw locking.
In cases where the panoramic radiograph does not provide enough information, additional imaging techniques, such as cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), may be used to further evaluate the TMJ and identify any specific causes of the jaw locking.