# A Literature Review on the Uncommon Use of Extraoral Periapical Radiography
## 3 Results and Discussion
If the researchers think that EOPA should be further promoted, the publication of meta-analyses, guidelines, and multicenter studies should be considered because these article types have the highest citation counts in radiology journals [44]. Another way to raise the awareness of the professional or general audience towards EOPA is to produce social media videos that demonstrate its procedures and image outcomes. There are already numerous educational videos related to dentistry, including dental radiology, on YouTube [45]. These videos included procedural demonstrations of IOPA and panoramic radiography [46; 47]. The merit of EOPA being more comfortable than IOPA, due to the absence of an image receptor within the mouth, can also be explained to the audience as many of them may be afraid of pain induced during a dental visit [48]. Many of these videos have attracted tens of thousands of views. To further enhance the reach and impact of EOPA, collaborations with popular dental influencers and professional organizations to produce relevant social media content could be explored. These influencers often have large followings and can help disseminate information more effectively. Webinars and online workshops hosted by radiology experts in the dental field can provide a platform for in-depth discussions and live demonstrations, making the technology more understandable to a broader audience. Another method of promotion is to engage with dental schools and continuing education programs to introduce or revise the concept and procedures of EOPA. Incorporating EOPA into the curriculum of dental students and offering continuing education credits for practicing dentists can ensure that the next generation of dental professionals is well-aware of this imaging technique, especially with hands-on training and representative case studies to solidify their understanding and application of EOPA in clinical practice. Lastly, leveraging other social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok can help reach a wider audience. Short, engaging videos and infographics that highlight the key benefits of EOPA, such as reduced discomfort and adequate diagnostic capabilities, can capture the attention of dental practitioners and patients who do not actively seek the latest dental information. By employing a multifaceted approach that includes journal publications, social media engagement, professional education, and public outreach, the awareness and acceptance of EOPA could be improved. The use of EOPA is applicable to various clinical scenarios, but other extraoral modalities such as panoramic radiography may be readily available in regular dental clinics in the more developed countries and regions, rendering EOPA less useful. During the COVID-19 pandemic, experts in oral and maxillofacial radiology in Europe and North America recommended the use of panoramic machines to take sectional panoramic images or even extraoral bitewings to replace the traditional intraoral bitewings to reduce the risk of aerosol generation [49; 50; 51]. It was stated that the \"extraoral bitewing\" mode of panoramic machines, or even the ordinary mode of the latest panoramic machines, is able to produce high quality images that visualized the entirety of the teeth under investigation. Because of that, dental clinics should probably use a panoramic machine to produce a sectional image that focuses on the tooth under investigation instead of taking an EOPA, in the cases where an IOPA is not possible due to pain, limited mouth opening, and other constraints. An alternative for obtaining better imaging details, such as for periodontal and endodontic purposes, would be another extraoral yet 3D technique, CBCT imaging [52]. CBCT imaging provides detailed, three-dimensional views of the teeth and surrounding structures, making it useful for complex diagnostic and treatment planning scenarios.