Lesson 5.1: Basic Dental Radiology Flashcards
The method of capturing images; enables the dentist to diagnose conditions in the oral cavity
Digital Imaging
This relates to the degree of darkness on an image
Density
This is an important factor in image quality; a certain amount of this is needed in order for a quality diagnostic image to be formed
Density
Refers to the darkness and lightness (differences in density) on various areas of the images
Contrast
This is important because it defines, or better demonstrates the structure under examination
Contrast
Structures that are dense and do not permit the passage of radiation
Radiopaque
The more radiopaque a structure is, the _______ it appears on the image
Lighter
Structures that are less dense and permit passage of radiation
Radiolucent
The more radiolucent a structure is, the _______ it appears on the image
Darker
Who discovered x rays?
Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen
What year did Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen discover xrays?
1895
Who exposed the first dental radiograph?
Dr. Otto Walkfhoff
What year did Dr. Otto Walkhoff expose the first dental radiograph?
1896
Who is credited with the first practical use of dental radiographs?
Dr. C. Edmund Kells
What are atoms composed of?
Protons, Neutrons, and Electrons
How fast does radiation travel?
186,000 miles per second
TRUE OR FALSE:
Radiation travels at the speed of light
True
The central portion of the primary beam of radiation
Central Beam
Radiation produced from any substance being struck by primary radiation
Secondary Radiation
A form of secondary radiation that occurs when an x-ray beam has been deflected from its path
Scatter Radiation
TRUE OR FALSE:
It’s ok to spray the tubehead and control panel of an e-ray machine with disinfectant spray
False
Spraying the tubehead and control panel can cause malfunction/damage
What does ALARA stand for?
As Low As Reasonably Achievable
How is the amount of damage from radiation determined?
- Quantity (amount) of radiation exposure
- Quality (intensity) of radiation exposure
- Length (time) of exposure
- Type of tissue being irradiated
This serves as a guide to the operator for safe image capturing techniques
ALARA Concept
This helps detect cumulative operator radiation exposure
Dosimeter/Film Badge
TRUE OR FALSE:
It’s ok to hold the sensor for the patient if needed
False
Under NO CONDITIONS will the operator hold the sensor for the patient during the exposure
TRUE OR FALSE:
NEVER stand in the path of the primary beam
True
A part of the tubehead that ensures only high quality radiation waves reach the patient
Aluminum Filtration
A part of the tubehead that reduces the area of exposure of the primary beam. May have a round or rectangular opening
Collimation
Lead-lined Cone
Position Indicator Device
This absorbs and reduces scatter radiation as the x-ray beam travels down the cone toward the teeth
Position Indicator Device
A feature that minimizes the amount of scatter radiation that both the patient and the dental assistant can be vulnerable to while images are being captured
Position Indicator Device
This is used to check exposure settings and processing; used daily prior to the first patient
Step Wedge
