Dental Dental Radiology 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A triangular radiolucency at the apex of a tooth most likely indicates which condition?
- Normal pulp chamber
- Periapical abscess or granuloma (Correct answer)
- Hypercementosis
- External resorption
Correct answer: Periapical abscess or granuloma
A periapical radiolucency (dark area) at the root apex typically indicates a periapical abscess, granuloma, or cyst resulting from pulpal necrosis.
Question 2: Which digital radiography system captures images using a sensor plate that is later scanned with a laser?
- CCD sensor
- CMOS sensor
- Photostimulable phosphor (PSP) plate (Correct answer)
- Cone beam CT
Correct answer: Photostimulable phosphor (PSP) plate
PSP (photostimulable phosphor) plates store the latent X-ray image and release it when scanned with a laser, providing a digital image.
Question 3: What is the recommended interval for bitewing radiographs in an adult patient with a high caries risk?
- Every 3–6 months (Correct answer)
- Every 12–18 months
- Every 2–3 years
- Every 5 years
Correct answer: Every 3–6 months
High-caries-risk adults should receive bitewing radiographs every 6 months or less to monitor for rapidly progressing decay.
Question 4: On a radiograph, enamel appears as the most radiopaque structure because of its high content of which mineral?
- Fluoride
- Calcium hydroxyapatite (Correct answer)
- Collagen
- Phosphorus only
Correct answer: Calcium hydroxyapatite
Enamel is the most radiopaque tooth structure due to its extremely high content of calcium hydroxyapatite crystals, which absorb X-rays strongly.
Question 5: A cone-cut error on a periapical radiograph appears as which of the following?
- Blurry image overall
- An unexposed white area on the film (Correct answer)
- Double image of the teeth
- Elongated tooth roots
Correct answer: An unexposed white area on the film
A cone-cut (PID positioning error) results in a clear unexposed area on the radiograph where the X-ray beam missed the film.
Question 6: Which radiographic landmark appears as a horseshoe-shaped radiopacity above the maxillary molar roots?
- Incisive foramen
- Nasal fossa
- Maxillary sinus floor (Correct answer)
- Mental foramen
Correct answer: Maxillary sinus floor
The floor of the maxillary sinus appears as a curved radiopaque line (cortical bone) superior to the roots of the maxillary posterior teeth.
Dental Dental Radiology 2
A triangular radiolucency at the apex of a tooth most likely indicates which condition?