Topic 5: Dental Radiographs

Question 1

What is radiopacity

Answer 1

relative inability for X-rays to pass through a particular material

Question 2

what is radiolucency

Answer 2

transparency for X-rays to pass through

Question 3

Describe the normal structure of dentine on the radiograph

Answer 3

less dense

Question 4

describe the normal structure of the cementum on the radiograph

Answer 4

only seen when hyper plastic (hyperplasia)

Question 5

describe the normal structure of the enamel on the radiograph

Answer 5

very radio dense on crown, tapers to cervical margin

Question 6

describe the normal structure of the root on the radiograph

Answer 6

Root - below gum line surrounded by alveolar bone: appear gray and relatively uniform

Question 7

describe the normal structure of the pulp cavity on the radiograph

Answer 7

Pulp Cavity - radiolucent zone. Pulp chamber in center to tooth & pulp canal in center of the roots

Question 8

describe the normal structure of the periodontal ligament on the radiograph

Answer 8

Periodontal ligament - radiolucent (black) line surrounding the tooth root

Question 9

describe the normal structure of the lamina dura on the radiograph

Answer 9

Lamina dura – sclerotic radiopaque (white) line just outside the PL. Represents bony wall of socket. Runs parallel to the tooth root.

Question 10

What are the normal age related changes in teeth

Answer 10

have a decreased pulp cavity
closure of the apical foramen
regression of alveolar crest
sclerosis of alveolar bone