Unit 314: Radiography Flashcards
LO1: Know the regulations and hazards associated with ionising radiation LO2: Understand the different radiographic films and their uses LO3: Understand the imaging process and the management of chemicals used for processing radiographs LO4: Understand the importance of stock control, mounting and quality assurance in dental radiography
Which regulation sets the requirement for a controlled area?
IR(ME)R 2000
Who must ensure all staff read the local rules?
RPS
Who can carry out the role of RPA?
Radiation Physicist
What is the purpose of intensifying screen within a cassette?
Fluoresce when sensitised by x-rays to reduce the radiation needed to expose the film
How are digital phosphor plates processed?
By scanning with a laser beam
What colour and wattage is the safelight?
Red, 15W
Why must safelights be used?
To protect the film from daylight
How would an x-ray film appear if it had been exposed to light before processing?
Black
What may cause an x-ray to get darker over time?
Insufficient fixing
Why should you use a funnel to refill the chemicals in an automatic processor?
To avoid splashing
Where should you dispose of paper towels that have been used to clean up chemical spillage?
Non-infectious hazardous waste (chemical)
Where is the best place to store unexposed extra oral films?
Refrigerator
Which regulations are concerned with patient safety?
IR(ME)R
Which regulations are concerned with staff safety?
IRR
Who is responsible for implementing radiation protection in the workplace under IR(ME)R?
RPS
What level of risk is associated with dental x-rays?
Low risk
Which radiograph is most suitable to use in root canal treatment?
Periapical
Name 3 extra-oral x-rays
Lateral cephalometric
Lateral oblique/skull
OPG/DPT
Name 3 intra-oral x-rays
Bitewing
Periapical
Occlusal
What is one of the most suitable uses for an occlusal radiograph?
To look for impacted upper canines
What are bitewing radiographs used for?
To check for interproximal caries on posterior teeth
What do periapical radiographs show?
One or two teeth including the whole root and crown
What are lateral cephs used for?
Orthodontic assessment and treatment planning
What do OPG/DPTs show?
The whole of both jaws
Which radiograph should be taken to diagnose widespread bone loss?
OPG/DPT
Where is the controlled area measured from?
The machine head
How big is the controlled area?
1.5m
What is the zone 2m away from the patient called when taking radiographs?
Safe zone
Which radiographs would be best used to detect impacted wisdom teeth?
Lateral oblique
OPG/DPT could also work
What are the advantages of digital dental radiogaphy?
Less radiation
Quicker processing
No chemicals
Can be emailed to other professionals
What are the stages and timings of manual processing?
Develop - 3-5 minutes
Rinse - couple secs
Fix - 6-10 minutes
Wash - up to 20 mins
What are the 4 stages of automatic processing in order?
Develop
Fix
Wash
Dry
In which method of processing are safe lights used to protect the image?
Manual
What are the possible causes if a processed film is too pale?
TOO LITTLE
under exposed
under developed
Cold developer