Descriptive Terminology

Question 1

When describing lesions, what factors are we considering?

Answer 1

-location
-appearance
-size

Question 2

Can we diagnose lesions based off radiographs alone

Answer 2

typically no; it is extremely difficult to do so

Question 3

List the factors used in making a definitive diagnosis

Answer 3

-medical and dental history
-clinical findings
-signs and symptoms
-radiographs
-laboratory tests
-biopsy results

Question 4

List the acceptable terms for a radiograph

Answer 4

-x-ray film
-radiogram
-Roentgenogram
-Roentgenograph

Question 5

Describe radiolucent structures

Answer 5

-less dense
-very few x-rays absorbed
-many film crystals exposed
-dark gray or black

Question 6

List the normal anatomy radiolucent structures

Answer 6

-pulp
-PDL space
-foremen, canals, sutures
-sinus cavities

Question 7

List the abnormal or pathological radiolucent structures

Answer 7

-caries
-periapical abscess
-bone or tooth fractures
-cysts and tumors

Question 8

List the dental materials that may appear radiolucent

Answer 8

“older” composite material

Question 9

Describe radiopaque structures

Answer 9

-more dense
-most x-rays are absorbed
-very few film crystals exposed
-white or light gray

Question 10

List the normal anatomy radiopaque structures

Answer 10

-enamel
-dentin
-bone

Question 11

List the abnormal or pathological radiopaque structures

Answer 11

-tori or exostosis
-bony tumors

Question 12

List the dental materials that may appear radiopaque

Answer 12

-amalgam
-gold, semi, or non precious metals
-porcelain and other glass materials
-composite restorative materials
-root canal filling materials: posts or pins

Question 13

Periapical abscess

Answer 13

located at the apex of the tooth; decay or trauma has caused pulp to become non vital and infection results

Question 14

Periodontal abscess

Answer 14

located in gingival tissue and PDL area; resulting from infection caused by periodontal disease or foreign materials/bacteria in the tissue

Question 15

How many millimeters are in 1 centimeter

Answer 15

10mm

Question 16

Corticated vs non-corticated borders
*Radiolucent lesions

Answer 16

corticated: distinct radiopaque border surrounding lesions
noncorticated: no distinct border, fully radiolucent

Question 17

Unilocular vs multilocular lesion
*Radiolucent lesions

Answer 17

unilocular: one singular lesion
multilocular: multiple lesions formed together with corticated borders around each indica lesions

Question 18

Inter-radicular

Answer 18

lesion located between roots of adjacent teeth

Question 19

Edentulous zone

Answer 19

lesion located in an area without teeth

Question 20

Pericoronal

Answer 20

lesion located around crown of an impacted tooth

Question 21

Focal opacity
*radiopaque lesions

Answer 21

singular radiopaque lesion

Question 22

Multifocal confluent pattern
*radiopaque lesions

Answer 22

multiple radiopaque lesions together in one area

Question 23

Target lesion
*radiopaque lesions

Answer 23

radiopaque lesion with a radiolucent border surrounding it

Question 24

Irregular/ ill defined opacity

Answer 24

radiopaque lesion with no distinct border at all

Question 25

Ground glass opacity

Answer 25

radiopaque lesion with a stippled appearance

Question 26

Mixed lucent-opaque lesion

Answer 26

radiolucent lesion with specs of radiopacity within it