Dental Radiography and Interpretation Flashcards

What does a 'double lamina dura' on a periapical radiograph suggest?

Answer: Hypercementosis or Paget's disease affecting the root surface

A thickened or double lamina dura appearance can suggest hypercementosis (excess cementum deposition) or Paget's disease of bone, which alters the normal PDL space and cortical bone appearance.

Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) is preferred over conventional radiography for which specific clinical application in dental hygiene practice?

Answer: Assessment of alveolar bone morphology and furcation defects in complex periodontal cases

CBCT provides three-dimensional visualization of alveolar bone, enabling precise assessment of bone defect morphology, furcation involvement, and root proximity that conventional 2D radiography cannot fully depict.

An interproximal carious lesion that radiographically appears to extend through enamel and into the outer third of dentin is classified as:

Answer: D2 (extends into dentin but not past the outer one-third)

Radiographic caries classification: D1 = enamel only; D2 = extends into dentin, outer third; D3 = extends into dentin, middle or inner third; D4 = approaches or involves the pulp.

Which radiation safety device is MOST appropriate for a dental hygienist to use to monitor cumulative occupational radiation exposure?

Answer: Thermoluminescent dosimeter (TLD) or digital optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) badge

TLD or OSL personnel monitoring badges worn on the torso measure cumulative radiation dose over time and are the standard method for monitoring occupational radiation exposure for dental workers.

A periapical radiograph showing a well-defined, unilocular radiolucency associated with the crown of an unerupted tooth is MOST consistent with:

Answer: Dentigerous (follicular) cyst

A dentigerous (follicular) cyst is the most common odontogenic cyst arising from the follicle surrounding an unerupted tooth, presenting as a well-defined unilocular radiolucency attached at the cementoenamel junction.

The primary purpose of the lead apron with thyroid collar in dental radiography is to:

Answer: Protect radiosensitive tissues — gonads and thyroid — from scatter radiation

The lead apron shields the gonads and body from scattered radiation, while the thyroid collar specifically protects the thyroid gland, which is radiosensitive, especially in children and young adults.