DRC Image Acquisition & Interpretation 3

Question 1

When using a phosphor plate (PSP) system, what happens if the plate is not erased between patients?

Accepted Answer

Residual images from previous exposures will appear ('ghost images')

Answer

PSP plates must be erased with bright light between uses; residual latent images cause artifact overlaps called ghost images.

Question 2

Which type of vertical angulation error produces elongation of the radiographic image?

Accepted Answer

Too little angulation (shallow/insufficient)

Answer

Insufficient (too little) vertical angulation causes the X-ray beam to strike at too flat an angle, elongating the image of the tooth.

Question 3

The mental foramen most commonly appears radiographically as a:

Accepted Answer

Well-defined radiolucency near the apex of the mandibular premolars

Answer

The mental foramen is a normal anatomic structure that appears as a well-defined, round radiolucency near the apex of the mandibular premolars and can mimic periapical pathology.

Question 4

A patient has a full-mouth series prescribed. During exposure of the maxillary canine periapical film, the patient's nose tip appears in the image. Which error occurred?

Accepted Answer

Positive vertical angulation was too steep

Answer

Excessively steep positive vertical angulation on the maxillary canine projection causes the beam to project the nose tip shadow onto the receptor.

Question 5

Which radiographic feature best differentiates a periapical granuloma from a periapical cyst?

Accepted Answer

A cyst tends to be larger with a well-defined corticated border

Answer

Periapical cysts are generally larger and more likely to have a well-defined corticated (sclerotic) border compared to granulomas, though definitive diagnosis requires histopathology.

(DRC) Dental Radiology Certification for Dental Hygienist Practice Test

(DRC) Dental Radiology Certification for Dental Hygienist Practice Test

DRC Image Acquisition & Interpretation 3