Dental Radiography Flashcards
6 cards from real Dental practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Dental Radiography flashcards as text
What type of dental X-ray shows the entire tooth from crown to root tip and surrounding bone?
Answer: Periapical
Periapical radiographs capture the entire tooth structure including the root apex and surrounding alveolar bone.
Bitewing radiographs are primarily used to detect which dental condition?
Answer: Interproximal caries
Bitewing X-rays are the standard diagnostic tool for detecting interproximal (between teeth) cavities and assessing crestal bone levels.
What is the ALARA principle in dental radiography?
Answer: As Low As Reasonably Achievable
ALARA stands for As Low As Reasonably Achievable and is the guiding radiation safety principle requiring minimal exposure while obtaining diagnostically acceptable images.
Which film placement technique uses a paralleling device to hold the film parallel to the long axis of the tooth?
Answer: Paralleling technique
The paralleling technique positions the film parallel to the tooth and directs the X-ray beam perpendicular to both, producing the most dimensionally accurate images.
What does a radiolucent area appear as on a dental radiograph?
Answer: Dark/black
Radiolucent structures absorb fewer X-rays and allow more radiation to reach the film/sensor, appearing dark or black on the radiograph.
A panoramic radiograph (OPG) is most useful for evaluating which of the following?
Answer: Impacted third molars and jaw fractures
Panoramic radiographs provide a broad view of the entire dentition, jaws, and surrounding structures, making them ideal for assessing impacted teeth, jaw pathology, and fractures.