Chapters 5-6: Radiation Characteristics & Dental X-ray Image Characteristics Flashcards
Exposure Controls and Settings, X-ray Beam Quality and Quantity, Diagnostic Dental Images and Characteristics
How does exposure time affect the intensity of the x-ray beam?
longer exposure time produces more x-rays, which increases the intensity of the x-ray beam
What are the two influencing factors of distortion of an image?
- object-receptor alignment
- x-ray beam angulation
Define the term: distortion
- a geometric characteristic that refers to a variation in the true size and shape of the object being imaged
- influenced by object-receptor alignment and the vertical angulation of the x-ray beam
What are the two factors that influence the sharpness of an image?
- focal spot size
- movement
Define the term: focal spot
the tungsten target of the anode that converts bombarding electrons into x-ray photons, concentrating the electrons and creating an enormous amount of heat
What is the scale of contrast on an image with low kilovoltage settings?
short-scale contrast
How does increased kilovoltage affect the density of the image?
increased density, which makes the image appear darker
How does a larger focal spot size influence the sharpness of an image?
loss of sharpness
Define the term: subject contrast
the characteristics of the subject (patient) that influence contrast, including the size and thickness of the patient
Define the term: tungsten target
a portion of the anode in the x-ray tube that serves as a focal spot and converts bombarding electrons into x-ray photons
Define the term: wavelength
- the distance between the crest of one wave and the crest of the next wave
- determines the energy and penetrating power of the radiation
How does increased exposure time affect the image?
the longer the exposure time, the more x-rays are delivered, which results in a darker image
How does increased subject thickness affect the density of the image?
the image appears more dense due to absorbing more of the x-ray beam
Define the term: exposure factors
factors that influence the density of an image (ex: milliamperage, kilovoltage, exposure time)
Define the term: penumbra
the unsharpness or blurring of the edges of a structure viewed on a dental image
In order to create an x-ray beam with increased penetrating ability, how would you adjust the kilovoltage setting on the control panel?
increase the kilovoltage
Define the term: high contrast
a term describing an image with many very dark areas and very light areas and few shades of gray
How does increased kilovoltage affect the contrast of the image?
low contrast, which helps in the diagnosis of periodontal or periapical diseases
Define the term: voltage
in dental imaging, the measurement of force that refers to the potential difference between two electrical charges
Define the term: stepwedge
a device constructed of uniform-layered thickness of an x-ray absorbing material (usually aluminum) used to demonstrate densities and contrast scales
Define the term: low contrast
a term describing an image with many shades of gray and few areas of black and white
What exposure setting controls and regulates the temperate of the cathode filament in the x-ray tubehead?
milliamperage
Define the term: control panel
a part of the x-ray machine that contains an on/off switch and indicator light, an exposure button and indicator light, and control devices to regulate the x-ray beam
How does a decreased object-receptor distance affect the magnification of an image?
decreased magnification
What exposure setting determines the quantity of x-rays produced in the x-ray tubehead?
milliamperage
What determines the energy and penetrating power of radiation?
wavelength
How does a small focal spot size influence the sharpness of an image?
sharper image
Define the term: quantity of the x-ray beam
- the number of x-rays produced in the dental x-ray unit
- controlled by the milliamperage
How does decreased kilovoltage affect the density of the image?
decreased density, which makes the image appear lighter
Define the term: quality of the x-ray beam
- the mean energy or penetrating ability of the x-ray beam
- controlled by the kilovoltage
Which scale of contrast is preferred in the diagnosis of caries, and why?
- short-scale contrast
- the carious lesion will appear more radiolucent, and the areas are easily distinguishable
Define the term: angulation
the alignment of the central x-ray beam in the horizontal and vertical planes
True or false: The tooth and the image receptor should always be positioned as close together as possible during exposure.
True
Define the term: image receptor
a recording medium (ex: PSP plate, digital sensor)
If the kilovoltage setting is decreased, how should you adjust the exposure time setting to achieve a diagnostic image?
increase exposure time
How does a longer target-receptor distance affect the magnification of an image?
decreased magnification