Lecture 15 Flashcards
Why is traditional film still used in some dental practices?
Traditional film continues to be used in some dental practices due to its reliability and familiarity among practitioners who may not have transitioned to fully digital systems.
What is the purpose of dental x-ray film?
Dental x-ray film acts as a recording medium or image receptor, capturing images when exposed to energy in the form of x-radiation or light.
What is the film base, and what is its purpose?
The film base is a flexible, 0.2-mm thick piece of polyester plastic designed to withstand heat, moisture, and chemical exposure. Its main purpose is to provide stable support for the delicate emulsion and ensure strength.
What is the adhesive layer, and what role does it play in x-ray film?
The adhesive layer is a thin coating that covers both sides of the film base. It binds the emulsion to the film base and ensures stability.
What is the composition of the film emulsion, and why is it significant?
Film emulsion is a coating attached to both sides of the base that increases the film’s sensitivity to x-radiation. It consists of a mixture of gelatin and silver halide crystals.
What is the purpose of gelatin in the film emulsion?
Gelatin suspends and evenly disperses millions of microscopic silver halide crystals over the film base. During processing, gelatin absorbs chemicals, allowing them to react with the silver halide crystals.
What are silver halide crystals, and how do they contribute to x-ray imaging?
Silver halide crystals are light- and radiation-sensitive compounds made of silver and halogen (bromine or iodine). They absorb radiation and store energy during x-ray exposure, forming a latent image.
What is the protective layer, and what is its function?
The protective layer is a thin, transparent coating placed over the emulsion. It protects the emulsion from mechanical damage and processing-related issues.
What are the four main components of dental x-ray film?
- Film Base
- Adhesive Layer
- Film Emulsion
- Protective Layer
