Intro to Radiology

Question 1

What is dental radiology?

Answer 1

The study of x-radiation for diagnostic purposes

Question 2

Which side of the receptor faces the tube head?

Answer 2

Blue side/ black side of receptor cover

Question 3

Which side of the receptor faces AWAY from the tubehead?

Answer 3

Side with writing on it, the side with the A inserted into the receptor holder

Question 4

What are the three types of intraoral exposures?

Answer 4

Periapical exposures, bite-wing exposures, occlusal exposures

Question 5

Periapical exposures

Answer 5

Most frequently used

Used to show the root apex of the tooth and the surrounding structures

Question 6

What are the three sizes of receptors used for periapicals and what are they used for?

Answer 6

No. 0- Used for children
No. 1- Used for anterior exposures in adults
No. 2- Standard size, designed for use in all areas of adult (Posteriors) and pedodontic mouth

Question 7

Bite-wing Exposures

Answer 7

Primarily used to detect caries in the interproximal spaces and to determine the height of the alveolar bone crest

Same receptor size as normal posterior PA’s

Question 8

What are the sizes of bite-wing receptors and what are they used for?

Answer 8

No. 3- Extra long, used for molar/premolar- will often have overlapping due to the curve of the dental arch
No. 2- Molars or separate premolars
No. 1 or 2- Anterior adult teeth (vertical)
No. 0- Small children

Question 9

Occlusal exposures

Answer 9

For larger areas of the dental arch
To view cross section of the teeth and the complete palatal structure or floor of mouth
Used intra/extraorally

Question 10

What should you ask the patient before exposing radiographic images?

Answer 10

Ask about previous exposures (medical or dental) and radiation treatment
Radiation dosage if known
How long since last exposure
Do exam to determine if radiographs are necessary. Only take if needed for diagnostic purposes

Question 11

What safety precautions to we take as operators?

Answer 11

• Never hold the receptor in the patients mouth
• Stand behind protective barrier
• Stand at least 6 feet away from x-ray unit
• Never stand in direct line of beam
• Do not use a pointed cone

Question 12

Benefits of preventative radiation

Answer 12

To determine perio pathology/loss of bone structure
ID of calculus in advanced perio cases
ID of prolonged retention of deciduous teeth
Occlusal effect on premature loss of teeth
Presence or extent of caries

Question 13

Benefits to the patient

Answer 13

Necessary to proceed with required treatments
Good preventative measure to detect pathology early and prevent advance disease
Save time and money
Avoid unnecessary pain

Question 14

Methods of patient education

Answer 14

Assemble series of xrays depicting normal vs abnormal conditions
Printed literature
Discuss with patient need for radiographs
Patients should understand rational for radiographs

Question 15

Care of xray unit

Answer 15

Do not force arm to overextend
When finished do not leave arm extended over chair (will cause tube head drift)
Do not let tube head make contact with wall. Will cause seal to loosen.
Allow 5 seconds between each exposure for cooling
Turn off when not in use

Question 16

Analog film speeds. Which have longest/fastest exposure time?

Answer 16

Slow speed requires the longest exposure time, fast film requires the least amount of radiation

Question 17

4 speeds of analog film

Answer 17

D= ultra speed
E= Ekta speed
E+= Ultra ekta speed
F= Insight 

Intraoral only. 68% reduction in radiation exposure using Insight rather than Ultra Speed

Question 18

Which analog film speed is ADA recommended?

Answer 18

Insight

Fastest, less exposure to radiation for the patient