Radiology Terms

Question 1

ALARA principle

Answer 1

Acronym referring to the principle of keeping exposure to ionizing radiation As Low As Reasonably Achievable

Question 2

Bitewing radiograph

Answer 2

Interproximal radiographic view of the coronal portion of the tooth/teeth. A form of dental radiograph that may be taken with the long axis of the image oriented either horizontally or vertically, that reveals approximately the coronal halves of the maxillary and mandibular teeth and portions of the interdental alveolar septa on the same image. Useful for detecting caries and evaluating crestal bone levels

Question 3

CBCT

Answer 3

cone beam computed tomography; used for 3D imaging of head and neck area

Question 4

Complete series

Answer 4

A set of intraoral radiographs usually consisting of 14 to 22 periapical and posterior bitewing images intended to display the crowns and roots of all teeth, periapical areas and alveolar bone crest (source: FDA/ADA radiographic guidelines).

Question 5

Coronal View (also called frontal)

Answer 5

Vertical aspect of the anatomy, in sectioning radiographically, as viewed from the face, front to back.

Question 6

Diagnostic imaging

Answer 6

A visual display of structural or functional patterns for the purpose of diagnostic evaluation. May be photographic or radiographic.

Question 7

Digital Sensor(CMOS)

Answer 7

Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor, which is a sensor used in dentistry to capture dental images; it contains an electronic chip that converts photons to electrons for digital processing.

Question 8

Frontal View (also called coronal)

Answer 8

Vertical aspect of the anatomy, in sectioning radiographically, as viewed from the face, front to back.

Question 9

Full mouth series

Answer 9

a series of 18-22 diagnostic intraoral radiographs, both periapical and bitewing, showing the complete dentition.

Question 10

Imaging, diagnostic

Answer 10

This would include, but is not limited to, CAT scans, MRIs, photographs, radiographs, etc.

Question 11

Justification

Answer 11

the decision process used whereby it is determined that the diagnostic benefit gained from taking a radiograph outweighs the risk from receiving the ionizing radiation

Question 12

NOMAD

Answer 12

A handheld, battery-powered intraoral x-ray system that produces high-quality radiographs with digital sensors, standard films, and phosphor plates. It weighs just over 8 pounds, and can easily serve multiple operatories. Internal x-ray shielding and a backscatter shield protect the user from direct and scattered radiation

Question 13

Occlusal radiograph

Answer 13

An intraoral radiograph made with the film, phosphorous plate, emulsion or digital sensor being held between the occluded teeth.

Question 14

Panoramic radiograph

Answer 14

A 2D extraoral projection whereby the entire mandible, maxilla, teeth and other nearby structures are portrayed on a single image, as if the jaws were flattened out.

Question 15

Periapical radiograph

Answer 15

radiographic image of entire tooth, from crown to apex; useful for viewing the entire tooth and supporting structures.

Question 16

Photostimulable storage phosphor plate (PSP)

Answer 16

A medium for capturing digital xray images that are easily integrated into a computer for viewing. Similar in size to Xray film, they are erasable and reusable with minimal degradation. Thinner and less expensive than digital sensors.

Question 17

Radiation

Answer 17

Radiation is the transfer of energy through space and matter. It occurs in two forms, particulate and electromagnetic.

Question 18

Radioactivity

Answer 18

The emission of particulate and/or electromagnetic radiation by spontaneous disintegration of the atomic nuclei.

Question 19

Radiograph

Answer 19

An image or picture produced on a radiation sensitive film, phosphorous plate, emulsion or digital sensor by exposure to ionizing radiation.

Question 20

Radiolucent

Answer 20

less dense matter that permits transmission of photons through the matter

Question 21

Radiopaque

Answer 21

dense matter that blocks or inhibits the transmission of photons through the matter

Question 22

Relative radiopacity

Answer 22

varying density of matter permits varying degrees of photon transmission, thus enabling viewer to discern different densities and thus different structures/materials

Question 23

Sagittal View

Answer 23

Vertical aspect of the anatomy, in sectioning radiographically, as viewed from right to left.

Question 24

X-ray Film

Answer 24

Used to record an image caused by exposure to x-ray photons. A special photographic film with a sensitive emulsion layer that blackens in response to the light or x-ray exposure.