Radiographs Flashcards
What are radiographs?
-Images created using X-ray photons
- X-ray photons pass through an object
before interacting with a receptor
What are the different interactions X-rays have with matter?
- Transmitted (i.e. passes through unaltered)
- Absorbed (i.e. stopped by the tissue)
- Scattered (i.e. changes direction)
What is attenuation mean?
How dark/light the X-ray is, ie absorbed or scattered
What is the difference between dentine and enamel on a X ray?
Dentine is a darker image than enamel as more dense
What does radiolucent mean?
Darker images
Less attenuation
What does radiopaque mean?
Lighter areas on image
More attenuation
Relative not absolute
Why do we use radiographs?
To show Anatomy and pathology are not seen with naked eye
What are common Intra-oral radiographs?
Bitewing (biting, multiple side tooth)
Periapical (full length view of particular tooth)
Occlusal
What are common extra-oral radiographs?
Panoramic
Lateral
What is a common cross-sectional radiograph?
Cone beam computed technology (3D)
Why may one or two bitewing radiographs be taken?
Overlap may be present between adjacent teeth
What is a downfall of panoramic radiography?
Resolution is worse than intra-oral
How to tell difference between maxillary and mandibular x-rays?
Mandibular has a large radiolucent area, where the tongue is as its not a hard tissue
How should you position radiographs?
Position radiographs as if you were facing the patient
What ways can you identify which tooth is in a radiograph?
Crown morphology or root morphology
