Video Note: History & Production of Dental X-rays Flashcards
Who discovered X-rays?
Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen discovered X-rays in 1895 while experimenting with a Crookes tube.
What did Roentgen name the rays he discovered?
Roentgen named the rays ‘X’ for the unknown.
Who was the first to use X-rays for dental purposes?
Dr. Otto Walkhoff was credited with using Roentgen rays for dental imaging.
What was the exposure time for Walkhoff’s dental X-ray?
The exposure time was 25 minutes.
Which dentist in the U.S. is credited with using X-rays in dentistry?
Dr. Edmund Kells is credited for utilizing X-rays in dentistry.
What did Dr. William D. Coolidge improve?
Dr. William D. Coolidge improved the Crookes tube, creating the Coolidge tube.
What is the speed at which X-rays travel?
X-rays travel at the speed of light, approximately 186,000 miles per second.
What is the definition of wavelength?
Wavelength is the distance between waves in electromagnetic radiation.
What is the relationship between wavelength and frequency?
Shorter wavelengths have higher frequencies and more energy.
What is ionizing radiation?
Ionizing radiation produces ions that can create cellular changes.
What are some examples of non-ionizing radiation?
Examples include microwaves, infrared, and visible light.
What are the properties of dental X-rays?
Dental X-rays are invisible, travel in straight lines, have no mass or charge, and can penetrate tissues.
What is the cumulative effect of X-ray exposure?
X-ray exposure can cause cumulative changes to biological tissue.
Where does the physical production of dental X-rays occur?
It occurs in the vacuum tube of the dental X-ray unit.
What components are involved in the X-ray production process?
The process involves a cathode with a filament and an anode with a tungsten target.
What surrounds the vacuum tube in an X-ray unit?
The vacuum tube is surrounded by oil to balance heat generated during operation.
What is the purpose of the lead lining in the tube housing?
The lead lining prevents x-rays from escaping the x-ray unit or tube housing.
What happens when the exposure button is engaged?
A tungsten filament in the cathode creates a cloud of negative electrons.
What attracts the negative electrons in the x-ray tube?
The negative electrons are attracted to the anode.
What is the role of the tungsten target in x-ray production?
The tungsten target stops the negative electrons, creating energy that produces x-rays.
What are the two types of radiation produced in x-ray production?
The two types are general radiation (bremsstrahlung radiation) and characteristic radiation.
How is radiation directed after being produced at the tungsten target?
Radiation is directed through a window of the vacuum tube and then through an aluminum filter.
What is the function of the lead collimator?
The lead collimator narrows the x-ray beam and helps stop the penetration of x-rays.
What is the significance of the focal spot on the tungsten target?
A smaller focal spot results in sharper images due to smaller beams of x-rays.
What is primary radiation?
Primary radiation, also known as the central ray, affects the image receptor.
What is secondary radiation?
Secondary radiation is the deflected radiation that bounces off teeth and tissues.
What is scattered radiation?
Scattered radiation is a minimal deflection of x-rays off tissues.
What is the speed of x-rays?
X-rays travel in a straight line at the speed of light.
What should be considered when using x-rays?
X-rays should only be used when prescribed, as they affect biological tissue through ionization.
Who discovered x-rays and how?
Roentgen discovered x-rays accidentally, which later contributed to medical and dental treatment.
