What do we use dental radiography for?

Question 1

To detect + diagnose:

Answer 1

dental caries, periodontal disease, dental abscess, cysts, iatrogenic problems, supernumerary + unerupted teeth + hard tissue lesions (bone cysts, salivary gland stones, tumours)

Question 2

Also use during dental trts:

Answer 2

root canal trt, aid in XLA + to check health of tooth before we put crown/bridge on

Question 3

How are x-rays produced?

Answer 3

x-ray machine composed of X-ray tube that contains a pair of electrodes/ conductors - cathode + anode

Question 4

Cathode

Answer 4

Is filament that release energy with the introduction of an electrical current (similar to a light bulb) cathode energy is released in form of electrons

Question 5

Anode

Answer 5

on the opposite end, is disc made of tungsten which is a material that attracts electrons. when electrons come into contact with tungsten, they release energy in form of photons

Question 6

These photons

Answer 6

are channelled through led cylinder in series of filters (creating an x-ray beam)

Question 7

The x-ray beam

Answer 7

is high energy beam that can only be absorbed by dense body tissues (bone)

Question 8

The film

Answer 8

is placed behind the pt, + the pt is placed between the film + x-ray machine. the x-ray beam points on specific area of the body

Question 9

The photons

Answer 9

reach the film + cause chemical reaction - energy absorbed appears white + energy that passes through appears black (x-ray image)