Dental Radiography Flashcards
What are radiolucent substances?
Substances which allow the X-ray to pass through them (includes the soft tissues)
What may you use a radiograph for?
- To detect dental caries
- To detect the presence of periodontal disease
- To detect an abscess
- To detect cysts
- To access bone loss
- To view where nerves may run
- To view latrogenic problems caused by the dentist (overhangs)
- To detect supernumerary teeth and unerupted teeth/a scent teeth
- To diagnose hard tissue lesions: bone cysts/tumours/fractures
- To aid during endo treatment
- To determine tooth positioning for XLA
- To ensure the vitality of the tooth prior to crown/bridge prep
What are radiopaque substances?
Materials that X-rays cannot pass through (metals). They absorb the X-ray.
Name four materials relating to dentistry that are radiopaque?
- Bone
- Enamel
- Dentine
- Cementum
How do radiopaque images show up on an X-ray?
White or grey shades.
What ALARA stand for?
As low as reasonably achievable.
What does ALARP stand for?
As low as reasonably practical/possible.
Which way should the raised pimple on the film be facing?
The X-ray tube
What does the lead foil do in a X-ray packet?
Prevent the scatter of radiation past the film packet.
How many intensifying screens does an extra oral cassette have?
Two - to reduce the dose of radiation exposure.
What is the order of a an extra oral cassette and film?
Cassette case, intensifying screen, rare earth coating, X-ray film, rare earth coating, intensifying screen, cassette case.
What does DPT stand for?
Dental Panoramic Tomograph
What are exposure faults?
Faults that occur during exposure - the operators fault.
Who would be to blame if there was a handling fault?
Whoever processed the X-ray. Normally the dental nurse.
What reason would result in an elongated radiograph image?
The angulation or the collimator is too shallow
