Radiographic Techniques

Question 1

What is the timing of the initial radiographic exam based on?

Answer 1

Not the patient’s age, but on each child’s individual circumstance.

Question 2

Two important criteria when deciding whether to perform a radiographic exam.

Answer 2

1) Stage of dentition development.

2) Risk of dental caries.

Question 3

Three primary biologic effects of low-level radiation.

Answer 3

Carcinogenesis
Teratogenesis
Mutagenesis

Question 4

What kinds of tissues and organs are more sensitive to radiation?

Answer 4

Younger tissues and organs

Question 5

Among the most sensitive organs to radiation-induced tumors.

Answer 5

Juvenile thyroid

Question 6

What are the special considerations that apply to dental radiographs for patients undergoing radiation therapy to the head and neck?

Answer 6

None

Question 7

Radiation exposure to the thyroid in a pregnant woman?

Answer 7

Causes low birth weight baby.

Question 8

Maximum radiation exposure we’re supposed to have per year?

Answer 8

360 mrem

Question 9

Typical dental x-ray exposes a patient to what mrem?

Answer 9

1.5

Question 10

How does film speed relate to radiation exposure?

Answer 10

Faster film speed, less exposure

Question 11

These films are the slowest and have the greatest exposure.

Answer 11

D films

Question 12

This imaging reduces the radiation dose by 40-60%

Answer 12

Digital imaging

Question 13

How is exposure time adjusted for imaging foreign objects?

Answer 13

Use 1/4th the normal exposure time.

Question 14

How long does it take caries to completely go through the enamel?

Answer 14

12 months

Question 15

New patient with only baby teeth. Can’t see or feel proximal surfaces of posterior teeth.

Answer 15

BW’s

Question 16

New patient with only baby teeth. You CAN see and feel the proximal surfaces bc there are open contacts.

Answer 16

No radiographs needed

Question 17

New patient with Transitional dentition.

Answer 17

BW’s and PA’s, or BW’s and PAN if closed contacts.

Question 18

New patient with adult dentition.

Answer 18

BW’s and PA’s, or BW’s and PAN if closed contact.

Question 19

Recall patient with adolescent permanent dentition. No caries.

Answer 19

18-36 months

Question 20

Recall patient of any dentition with caries or increased risk.

Answer 20

6-12 months.

Question 21

Recall patient with baby dentition. No caries.

Answer 21

12-24 months.

Question 22

Recall patient with transitional dentition. No caries.

Answer 22

12-24 months.