Dental Radiograph 1 (Review: Outcomes 1-10) Flashcards
What is the importance of dental images?
In dentistry, dental images enable the dental professional to identify many conditions that may otherwise go undetected and to see conditions that cannot be identified clinically
- Many dental diseases and conditions have no clinical signs or symptoms and may go undetected without the use of dental images
Risk vs. Benefits of Dental Imaging
Dentists and Dental Hygienist should always weigh the benefits of dental images against increasing a patient’s exposure to radiation
What are the Uses of Dental Images?
- Detect lesions
- Confirm or classify suspected disease
- Localize lesions or foreign objects
- Provide information during dental procedures
- Evaluate growth and development
- Illustrate changes secondary to caries, periodontal disease, trauma
- Document the condition of a patient
- Aid in development of a clinical treatment plan
What are the roles of Dental Assistants in regards to Dental Radiography?
- DA’s must have a thorough knowledge and understanding of the importance and uses of dental imaging
- Dental imaging enables the dentist to see conditions that are not visible in the oral cavity
- DA’s must understand the fundamental concepts of atomic and molecular structure and have a working knowledge of ionizing radiation and the properties of x-rays
- Radiation used to produce dental radiographs has the capacity to cause damage to all types of living tissues
- Any exposure to radiation, no matter how small, has the potential to cause biologic changes to the operator and the patient
- DA’s must have a thorough understanding of the characteristics of radiation to minimize exposure to both the dental patient and operator
History surrounding the discovery of x-radiation:
Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen
- Discovered x-ray on Nov. 8, 1895
- x-rays were referred to as roentgen rays; radiology as roentgenology; radiographs as roentgenology
- He placed his wife’s hand on a photographic plate and exposed her to the rays for 15 minutes to show that he was able to permanently capture the outline of her bones
- This event was also recorded as the first radiograph of the human body
History surrounding the discovery of x-radiation:
Otto Walkhoff
- Produced the first recorded dental radiograph by exposing a photographic plate in his own mouth for 25 minutes
History surrounding the discovery of x-radiation:
Dr. C. Edmund Kells
- Credited with the first practical use of radiographs in dentistry in 1896
- Exposed his hands to x-rays every day, eventually lost his fingers, hands, and later his arm as a result of cancerous tumors
Radiograph
A picture (visible photographic record) on film produced by the passage of x-rays through an object or body
- Also called x-ray film
X-radiation (X-ray)
A beam of energy
Dental Radiograph
A photographic image produced on film by the passage of x-rays through teeth and related structures
Radiography
The art and science of making radiographs by the exposure of film to x-rays
Dental Radiographer
Any person who positions, exposes, and processes x-ray film
Image
A picture or likeness of an object
Image Receptor
A recording medium
Examples:
- x-ray film
- phosphor plate
- digital sensor
Imaging, dental
The creation of digital, print, or film representations of anatomic structure for the purpose of diagnosis
How do x-rays work?
When x-rays pass through the mouth, the teeth and bones absorb more of the ray than the gums and soft tissues
- teeth appear lighter on the final x-ray image (radiograph)
- areas of tooth decay and infection look darker because they don’t absorb as much of the x-ray
Explain the Production of X-radiation
- When the current travels to the x-ray tube, it creates an electron energy within the cathode
- High speed electrons are accelerated from the cathode to the anode. When they collide with positively charged matter, x-radiation is produced
- Electrons strike the target and their kinetic energy is converted to x-rays and heat
Exposure of x-ray films
Much like a camera, the x-ray film develops depending on the areas which were exposed to the x-rays
- White areas show the denser tissues (e.g. bones) that have absorbed the x-rays
- Black areas on an x-ray represent areas where x-rays have passed through soft tissues (e.g. organ, skin)
–> they cannot absorb the high-energy rays
List the properties of x-radiation
- They have a shorter wavelength of the electromagnetic spectrum
- Requires high voltage to produce x-rays
- produced when high-velocity electrons collide with the metal plates, which gives them the energy as x-rays and themselves absorbed by the metal plate - They are used to capture the human skeleton defects
- They can travel in a straight line and do not carry an electric charge with them
- X-ray beams travels through the air and comes in contact with body tissues and produces an image on metal film
What are the biological effects of x-radiation?
Short-term & long-term effects
i. Short-term effects: Effects that are seen within minutes, day, or weeks after the latent period
- associated with LARGE AMOUNTS of radiation absorbed in a SHORT TIME
- e.g. exposure to a nuclear accident or the atomic bomb
- Acute Radiation Syndrome (ARS): short-term effect; includes nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, hair loss, hemorrhage
- Not applicable to dentistry
ii. Long-term effects: Effects that appear after years, decades, or generations
- associated with SMALL AMOUNTS of radiation absorbed repeatedly over a LONG PERIOD
- repeated low levels of radiation exposure are linked to the induction of cancer, birth abnormalities, and genetic defects
Genetic vs. Somatic Radiation
i. Genetic effects are not seen in the irradiated person, but are passed on to future generations
- genetic damage CANNOT be repaired
- reproductive cells (e.g. ova, sperm) are terms genetic cells
ii. Somatic cells are all the cells in the body except the reproductive cells
- damaged tissues, but is not passed down (in other words, these changes are not transmitted to future generations)
Exposure to radiation has a cumulative effect over a lifetime
What are the radiation effects on tissues and organs?
- In dentistry, some tissues and organs are designated as “critical” because they are exposed to more radiation than others during imaging procedures
- Critical organ = an organ that, if damaged, diminishes the quality of a person’s life
- Critical organs exposed during dental imaging procedures in the head & neck region:
1. Thyroid gland
2. Bone marrow
3. Skin
4. Lens of the eye
ALARA Concept
As Low As Reasonably Achievable
- Every possible method of reducing exposure to radiation should be employed
- Our goal is to minimize the amount of radiation received by the patient and maximize the benefits
What are the 2 types of radiation monitoring?
- Equipment monitoring
- Dental x-ray machines must be monitored for leakage radiation - Personnel monitoring (Dosimeter)
- A radiation monitoring badge (dosimeter) can be worn at waist level when taking images
- It is mailed along with a control badge to the monitoring company once a month for evaluation
How are patients protected from x-radiation?
- Proper prescribing or order of dental images by dentist
- dentist uses professional judgement to make decision about the number, type, and frequency of dental images - Use of proper equipment
- Dental x-ray tube head must be equipped with appropriate aluminum filters, a lead collimator, and a position-indicating device (PID)
- longer (16-inch) PID is preferred vs. short (8-inch) because it produces less divergence of the x-ray beam
During exposure:
3. Patient protection measures are used before and during x-ray exposure
i. Thyroid collar
ii. Lead apron
iii. Digital Sensors or fast film
iv. Beam alignment devices
- Exposure Factor Selection
- Adjustment of kVp, milliamperage, and time settings on the control panel to limit the amount of x-radiation exposure received by the patient
- on most units, kilovolt peak and milliamperage are preset by manufacturer and cannot be adjusted - Proper Technique
- helps create a diagnostic image and reduce amount of exposure a patient receives
- Nondiagnostic images must be retaken = additional exposure of patient to radiation
RE-EXPOSURE OF AN IMAGE, OR RETAKE MUST BE AVOIDED AT ALL TIMES
- To produce diagnostic images, the radiographer must have a thorough knowledge of techniques used in dental imaging
After exposure:
6. Proper receptor handling
- Artifacts caused by improper film handling result in nondiagnostic films
- Proper film processing/image retrieval
- Improper film processing may require retakes, needlessly exposing the patient to excess x-radiation
*Proper selection of exposure factors and good technique further protect the patient from excessive exposure to x-radiation
What is a Thyroid Collar?
A flexible lead shield that is placed securely around the patient’s neck to protect the thyroid gland from scattered radiation
- the lead prevents radiation from reaching the gland and protects the highly radiosensitive tissues of the thyroid
- Recommended for all intraoral exposures
- NOT recommended for extraoral exposures
What is a Lead Apron?
A flexible shield placed over the patient’s chest and lap to protect the reproductive and blood-forming tissues from scatter radiation
- the lead prevents the radiation from reaching these radiosensitive organs
- Recommended for both intraoral and extraoral exposures
What is a Beam Alignment Device?
Stabilizes the receptor in the mouth and reduces the change for movement
- eliminates the need for the patient to hold the receptor in position with a finger, recuing unnecessary exposure
Which image receptor is best for limiting radiation exposure?
- Compared with traditional film radiography, digital image receptors require less radiation exposure to patient
- Digital receptor is the most effective method of reducing a patient’s radiation exposure
- the lower absorbed dose is significant with regard to patient protection from excessive radiation
How is an operator protected from x-radiation?
- Must use proper protection measures to avoid occupational exposure to x-radiation (e.g. primary radiation, leakage radiation, scatter radiation)
- The use of proper operator protection techniques can minimize the amount of radiation
- Operator protection measures include following protection guidelines and using radiation-monitoring devices
Distance and Position Recommendations for Dental Radiographers
- Must stand at least 6 feet (2 meters) away from x-ray tube head during x-ray exposure
- Must never hold a receptor in place for a patient
- Must never hold or stabilize the x-ray tube head
Shielding Recommendations for Dental Radiographers
Whenever possible, stand behind a protective barrier (e.g. a wall) during x-ray exposure
- most dental offices incorporate adequate shielding in walls through the use of several thicknesses of common construction materials (drywall)
- A leaded glass window or use of a mirror is beneficial to monitor the patient during exposure
- At SAIT, we stand behind a glass window
Guidelines of Radiation Exposure
- Radiation Safety Legislation
- Maximum Permissible Dose
- Cumulative Occupational Dose
- ALARA Concept
Maximum Permissible Dose (MPD)
The maximum dose equivalent that a body is permitted to receive in a specific period
- For occupationally exposed persons:
50 mSv/year (0.05 Sv/year or 5.0 rem/year) - For non-occupationally exposed persons:
1 mSv/year (0.1 rem/year) - For occupationally exposed pregnant women:
0.5 mSv per month during pregnancy months
Cumulative Occupational Dose (COD)
The dose accumulated over a lifetime
- An individual’s COD should not exceed the worker’s age multiplied by 10 mSv
Why is it important to understand x-rays?
An understanding of dental radiography equipment will permit the DA to practice safely, produce diagnostically acceptable radiographs, and troubleshoot as needed
- Dental radiographer must be familiar with dental x-ray equipment and x-ray receptor holders and beam alignment devices used in digital and film-based imaging
X-ray Tube Head components
i. Tube head
- where x-rays are generated
ii. Position indicator device (PID)
- reduces exposure to the patient
iii. Extension arm
- allows positioning of tube head
See image in lecture slide - Outcome 3
The Cathode
NEGATIVE CHARGE
- Consists of a tungsten filament
- Purpose: supply electrons necessary to generate x-rays
- Electrons are generated in x-ray tube at the cathode
- The hotter the filament becomes, the more elections that are produced
See diagram in lecture slide - Outcome 3
Electrons travel from cathode to anode
CAT–>NAP
CAT = cathode
N = negative
A = anode
P = positive
The Anode
POSITIVE CHARGE
- It is the target for the electrons
- Composed of tungsten target
- Purpose of tungsten target: serve as a focal spot and convert the bombarding electrons into x-ray photons
Electrons travel from cathode to anode
CAT–>NAP
CAT = cathode
N = negative
A = anode
P = positive
What are the different types of electric currents?
- Electricity
- energy used to make x-rays - Amperage
- measurement of the number of electrons moving through a conductor - Voltage
- measurement of electrical force that causes electrons to move from a negative pole to a positive one
Transformers
A device that is used to either increase or decrease the voltage in an electrical circuit
- Higher penetration = shorter wavelength
- Lower penetration = longer wavelength
What are the factors affecting penetrating power?
- Wavelength:
- shorter wavelengths = greater energy = greater penetrating power - Distance:
- from source to object
- shorter distance = greater penetrating power - Density:
- of object to be penetrated
- less dense object = greater penetrating power
Control Panel of the x-ray equipment
Used to adjust the:
i. milliamperage (mA): the amount of electrical current coming out of the cathode
- usually 10-15mA
ii. kilovoltage (kV): the amount of current passing from anode to cathode
- longer exposure (@ 70kV) = high contrast (fewer shades of gray - darker)
- less exposure (@90kV) = low contrast (more shades of gray - lighter)
Types of Radiation
- Primary
- useful rays are produced from the x-ray tube - Stray
- rays that flow out from parts of the x-ray tube other than the window (faulty tube) - Scatter or Secondary
- reflected rays that have been reflected by objects in its path (patient or dental unit)
- less penetrating than primary radiation
Differential Absorption
Different tissue types absorb different amounts of radiation
There are two different types:
i. Radiopaque (white on x-ray)
ii. Radiolucent (black on x-ray)
Radiopaque
Tissue with high absorption of x-radiation, appears white in a finished radiograph
ex. enamel, dentin, bone
Radiolucent
Tissue with low absorption of x-radiation, appear dark on the finished radiograph
ex. pulp
Composition of x-ray film
- Film base
- polyester plastic, provides support and strength - Adhesive layer
- attaches emulsion to base - Film emulsion
- a mixture of gelatin and silver halide crystals (sensitive to radiation) - Protective layer
- protects emulsion from damage
*Halide is a chemical compound that is sensitive to radiation. Silver halide is used in dental radiographs
What are the 3 different types of conventional film?
- Intral Oral
- placed inside the mouth - Extra Oral
- taken on the outside of the mouth - Duplicating
- produces 2 copies of the same image (special film)
Composition of Intraoral film
Composed of:
- paper wrapper
- lead foil
- outer package wrapping (has 2 sides)
i, Tube side = solid white (raised dot)
ii. Label side = colored, contains flap to open packaging (inverted dot)
Remember: WHITE in sight and DOT in the slot
- Tube side = dot is a bump
- Label side = dot is flat
What is a latent image?
Film that has been exposed to radiation and has not yet been developed
- Silver halide crystals (coating on film) contain various levels of stored energy, depending on the density of the objects in the area exposed
- the stored energy forms a pattern known as LATENT IMAGE
The latent image cannot be seen until chemical processing occurs to produce a visible image
How is film speed determined?
Film speed = sensitivity
Determined by:
1. Size of the silver halide crystals
2. Thickness of the emulsion
3. Presence of radiosensitive dyes
Speed ratings are from A-F
A (slowest), F (Fastest)
** ONLY D, E, F, speed film used for intraoral radiology **
2 Types of Extraoral Film
2 types of extraoral films that are placed outside the mouth for x-ray exposure:
- Screen
- film placed between 2 intensifying screens for exposure - Non-screen
- film is exposed directly to x-rays, requires longer exposure time, NOT recommended for use in dentistry
Duplicating Film
Photographic film used to make an identical copy of an intraoral or extraoral radiograph
Used only in a darkroom setting and is NOT exposed to raadiation
Film storage
Film must be kept in a cool, dry place
(At SAIT, keep film in the fridge)
- Must be stored in an area adequately shielded from radiation
- Film MUST be used before expiration date (can cause fogged films)
Benefits of Digital Radiography
Digital imaging eliminates chemical processing and hazardous waters (lead foil, chemicals)
- Require less radiation to expose
- Allows for digital enhancements, measurements and corrections
- Images can be electronically transferred to other health care providers
- Sensors are VERY expensive