Video Note: History & Production of Dental X-rays

Question 2

Who discovered X-rays?

Answer 2

Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen discovered X-rays in 1895 while experimenting with a Crookes tube.

Question 3

What did Roentgen name the rays he discovered?

Answer 3

Roentgen named the rays ‘X’ for the unknown.

Question 4

Who was the first to use X-rays for dental purposes?

Answer 4

Dr. Otto Walkhoff was credited with using Roentgen rays for dental imaging.

Question 5

What was the exposure time for Walkhoff’s dental X-ray?

Answer 5

The exposure time was 25 minutes.

Question 6

Which dentist in the U.S. is credited with using X-rays in dentistry?

Answer 6

Dr. Edmund Kells is credited for utilizing X-rays in dentistry.

Question 7

What did Dr. William D. Coolidge improve?

Answer 7

Dr. William D. Coolidge improved the Crookes tube, creating the Coolidge tube.

Question 8

What is the speed at which X-rays travel?

Answer 8

X-rays travel at the speed of light, approximately 186,000 miles per second.

Question 9

What is the definition of wavelength?

Answer 9

Wavelength is the distance between waves in electromagnetic radiation.

Question 10

What is the relationship between wavelength and frequency?

Answer 10

Shorter wavelengths have higher frequencies and more energy.

Question 11

What is ionizing radiation?

Answer 11

Ionizing radiation produces ions that can create cellular changes.

Question 12

What are some examples of non-ionizing radiation?

Answer 12

Examples include microwaves, infrared, and visible light.

Question 13

What are the properties of dental X-rays?

Answer 13

Dental X-rays are invisible, travel in straight lines, have no mass or charge, and can penetrate tissues.

Question 14

What is the cumulative effect of X-ray exposure?

Answer 14

X-ray exposure can cause cumulative changes to biological tissue.

Question 15

Where does the physical production of dental X-rays occur?

Answer 15

It occurs in the vacuum tube of the dental X-ray unit.

Question 16

What components are involved in the X-ray production process?

Answer 16

The process involves a cathode with a filament and an anode with a tungsten target.

Question 17

What surrounds the vacuum tube in an X-ray unit?

Answer 17

The vacuum tube is surrounded by oil to balance heat generated during operation.

Question 18

What is the purpose of the lead lining in the tube housing?

Answer 18

The lead lining prevents x-rays from escaping the x-ray unit or tube housing.

Question 19

What happens when the exposure button is engaged?

Answer 19

A tungsten filament in the cathode creates a cloud of negative electrons.

Question 20

What attracts the negative electrons in the x-ray tube?

Answer 20

The negative electrons are attracted to the anode.

Question 21

What is the role of the tungsten target in x-ray production?

Answer 21

The tungsten target stops the negative electrons, creating energy that produces x-rays.

Question 22

What are the two types of radiation produced in x-ray production?

Answer 22

The two types are general radiation (bremsstrahlung radiation) and characteristic radiation.

Question 23

How is radiation directed after being produced at the tungsten target?

Answer 23

Radiation is directed through a window of the vacuum tube and then through an aluminum filter.

Question 24

What is the function of the lead collimator?

Answer 24

The lead collimator narrows the x-ray beam and helps stop the penetration of x-rays.

Question 25

What is the significance of the focal spot on the tungsten target?

Answer 25

A smaller focal spot results in sharper images due to smaller beams of x-rays.

Question 26

What is primary radiation?

Answer 26

Primary radiation, also known as the central ray, affects the image receptor.

Question 27

What is secondary radiation?

Answer 27

Secondary radiation is the deflected radiation that bounces off teeth and tissues.

Question 28

What is scattered radiation?

Answer 28

Scattered radiation is a minimal deflection of x-rays off tissues.

Question 29

What is the speed of x-rays?

Answer 29

X-rays travel in a straight line at the speed of light.

Question 30

What should be considered when using x-rays?

Answer 30

X-rays should only be used when prescribed, as they affect biological tissue through ionization.

Question 31

Who discovered x-rays and how?

Answer 31

Roentgen discovered x-rays accidentally, which later contributed to medical and dental treatment.