Ch 1 Vocab (Radiographic Terms Used to Describe Lesions in bone)

Question 1

Coalescence

Answer 1

The process by which parts of a whole join together, or fuse, to make one.

Question 2

Diffuse

Answer 2

Describes a lesion with borders that are not well defined, making it impossible to detect the exact parameters of the lesion; this may make treatment more difficult and, depending on the biopsy results, more radical.

Question 3

Multilocular

Answer 3

Describes a lesion that extends beyond the confines of one distinct area and is defined as many lobes or parts that are somewhat fused together, making up the entire lesion; a multilocular radiolucency is sometimes described as resembling soap bubbles; example an odontogenic keratocyst

Question 4

Radiolucent

Answer 4

Describes the black or dark areas on a radiograph; radiant energy can pass through these structures; less dense tissue, such as pulp.

Question 5

Radiolucent and radiopaque

Answer 5

Terms used to describe a mixture of light and dark areas within a lesion usually denoting a stage in the lesion’s development; for example, in a stage I periapical cement-osseous dyslplasia (cementoma), the lesion is radiolucent; in stage II it is radiolucent and radiopaque.

Question 6

Radiopaque

Answer 6

Describes the light or white area on a radiograph that results from the inability of radiant energy to pass through the structure; the more dense the structure, the more light or white it appears on the radiograph.

Question 7

Root resorption

Answer 7

• Observe radiographically when the apex of the tooth appears shortened or blunted and irregularly shaped; it occurs as a response to stimuli, which can include a cyst, tumor, or trauma.
• External resorption arises from tissue outside the tooth, such as the periodontal ligament, whereas internal resorption is triggered by pulpal tissue reaction from within the tooth; in the latter the pulpal area can be seen as a diffuse radiolucency beyond the confines of the normal pulp area.

Question 8

Scalloping around the root

Answer 8

A radiolucent lesion that extends between the roots, as seen in a traumatic bone cyst; this lesion appears to extend up the periodontal ligament.

Question 9

Unilocular

Answer 9

Having one compartment or unit that is well defined or outlined as in a simple radicular cyst

Question 10

Well circumscribed

Answer 10

Term used to describe a lesion with borders that are specifically designed and in which one can clearly see the exact margins and extent.