Sir, I was delighted to read the letter Beard protection published in BDJ Volume 217 No. 11, that demonstrated how patient care can be improved with a simple stroke of genius. This inspired me to share a 'trick' that I devised years ago to facilitate radiographic film placement for the purposes of taking bitewings or periapicals.

Bitewings radiographs are invaluable at initial examination to aid detection of proximal caries in children.1 Lateral obliques are alternatives in children who are less tolerable of intra-oral radiographs, though arguably less diagnostic. In addition, not all clinics may be equipped with the extra-oral radiographs for lateral obliques.

However, one reason, among others, that some patients could not tolerate intra-oral radiographs might be that they do not enjoy the sharp edges of the protective sleeves of radiographic films pressing against the floor of the mouth or palate.

Soft beading wax is commonly used for extending the periphery of impression trays. It can be used to line the periphery of radiographs (Figs 1-2) to blunt and 'cushion' the sharp edges and improve comfort for patients. Therefore, this technique might be useful in children, especially those with coagulopathies where careful use of radiographic films is encouraged to reduce risk of iatrogenic accidental trauma to sublingual tissues.2 It might also be useful in children/adults with mandibular tori and lower palatal arch.

Figure 1
figure 1

Beading (Utility) wax used to line radiographic film

Full size image

This technique may not guarantee that the patient will cooperate with an intra-oral radiograph. In addition, perhaps not all brands of radiographic sleeves have sharp edges. Nevertheless, with its simplicity and low cost involved, it is definitely worth a try in order to improve patient comfort and increase diagnostic yield.