Dental Radiography Flashcards

Which of the following X-ray techniques is used to detect interproximal caries and alveolar bone levels?

Answer: Bitewing radiograph

Bitewing radiographs are specifically designed to show interproximal surfaces and the crest of alveolar bone on both arches simultaneously.

What is the recommended target distance (focal-film distance) for a standard periapical radiograph using paralleling technique?

Answer: 16 inches

The paralleling technique uses a 16-inch focal-film distance to minimize image magnification and distortion.

Which ionizing radiation unit measures the biological effect of radiation on human tissue?

Answer: Rem (Sievert)

The rem (or Sievert in SI units) measures the dose equivalent, accounting for the biological effect of radiation on tissue.

A radiograph appears too light (underexposed). Which of the following is the most likely cause?

Answer: Insufficient exposure time

An underexposed radiograph appears too light because insufficient exposure time results in too few X-ray photons reaching the film or sensor.

Which of the following best describes the SLOB (Same Lingual Opposite Buccal) rule used in dental radiography?

Answer: Used to locate the position of objects in the buccolingual dimension

The SLOB rule is used with the tube-shift technique to determine whether an object is on the lingual or buccal side by observing how it moves relative to a reference object when the X-ray tube is shifted.

Which type of radiograph provides the most comprehensive view of the entire dentition, jaws, and surrounding structures in a single image?

Answer: Panoramic radiograph

A panoramic radiograph captures a broad view of the entire maxilla, mandible, teeth, TMJ, and surrounding structures on a single extraoral film.