Radiography Flashcards
7 cards from real ADAP practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Radiography flashcards as text
In the paralleling technique, what is the relationship between the receptor and the long axis of the tooth?
Answer: The receptor is placed parallel to the long axis of the tooth
In the paralleling technique, the receptor is positioned parallel to the long axis of the tooth, and the X-ray beam is directed perpendicular to both the tooth and receptor.
Which of the following best describes a radiolucent structure on a dental radiograph?
Answer: Appears black or dark gray, indicating less dense or absent structure
Radiolucent areas appear dark on radiographs because those structures allow more X-rays to pass through to the receptor, such as pulp chambers, caries, or air spaces.
What is the recommended infection control practice for digital radiographic sensors between patients?
Answer: Barrier protection with FDA-cleared barriers plus surface disinfection
Because most digital sensors cannot be heat sterilized, the standard is to use FDA-cleared plastic barriers and disinfect exposed surfaces between patients.
What radiographic landmark is visualized as a radiopaque Y-shaped or inverted Y line in the maxillary canine region?
Answer: Inverted Y — junction of the nasal fossa and maxillary sinus
The inverted Y represents where the lateral wall of the nasal cavity meets the anterior wall of the maxillary sinus, commonly seen overlying the maxillary canine area.
Which ionizing radiation unit describes the biological effect of radiation on human tissue?
Answer: Rem (roentgen equivalent man) or Sievert (Sv)
The rem (or sievert in SI units) accounts for the type of radiation and its relative biological effectiveness, making it the unit used for dose limits and occupational exposure standards.
When mounting dental radiographs using the labial mounting method, how are the dot embossings oriented?
Answer: Dots face toward the viewer (raised/convex side facing out)
In labial mounting, the raised (convex) side of the embossed dot faces the viewer, simulating the view as if looking at the patient from the front (labial perspective).
What is the main advantage of rectangular collimation over round collimation in dental radiography?
Answer: It significantly reduces patient radiation exposure by limiting beam size
Rectangular collimation restricts the X-ray beam to closely match the size of the receptor, dramatically reducing the volume of tissue irradiated and lowering patient dose.