Purpose and Technique (50%) RHS Exam

What is apical pathology?

Disease or infection at the tip of the tooth root visible on radiographs.

What are dental caries, and how are they seen on X-rays?

Decay in teeth; appears as radiolucent (dark) areas on the image.

What are dental anomalies? Give an example.

Irregularities in tooth development, such as supernumerary (extra) teeth.

How are dental implants identified on radiographs?

As radiopaque (white) structures within the jawbone.

What is an edentulous arch?

A dental arch without teeth; may require special imaging techniques.

How can impacted teeth or foreign objects be localized on radiographs?

Using radiographic techniques to determine their position relative to other structures.

What are periodontal conditions visible on dental images?

Bone loss, calculus, or other signs of gum disease.

How are sinus areas assessed in dental imaging?

Radiographs show sinus cavities and can reveal pathology like sinusitis.

How is the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) evaluated radiographically?

X-rays or CBCT images show joint structure, position, and pathology.

What is the purpose of a periapical radiograph?

To show the entire tooth, root, and surrounding bone for detecting pathology.

What is the purpose of a bitewing radiograph?

To detect interproximal caries and assess alveolar bone levels.

What is a full mouth series (FMS)?

A complete set of intraoral radiographs covering all teeth for comprehensive assessment.

What is an occlusal radiograph used for?

To view large areas of the jaw, detect fractures, or locate supernumerary teeth.

What is a panoramic image used for?

To evaluate entire jaws, teeth, and surrounding structures in one image.

What is cephalometric imaging used for?

Orthodontic assessment of jaw and teeth relationships and growth patterns.

What is CBCT imaging used for?

3D imaging for implant planning, pathology detection, and complex cases.

What features make a radiograph diagnostically acceptable?

Proper contrast, density, sharpness, correct positioning, minimal distortion, and no artifacts.

Why is reviewing medical and dental history important before taking radiographs?

To identify contraindications, including medications, that may affect imaging.

How should patients be prepared for radiographs?

Remove jewelry, glasses, piercings; explain procedure; position correctly.

What is proper patient positioning for intraoral imaging?

Align the head and jaw according to the technique, ensuring comfort and stability.

Name the main instruments used in dental imaging.

Image receptor and holder, bite block, bitewing tab, position indicating device (PID), beam alignment devices, X-ray unit.

What is the function of an image receptor?

To capture the radiographic image.

What is the purpose of a bite block?

To stabilize the sensor or film in the patient's mouth.

What does a bitewing tab do?

Helps position the sensor for bitewing radiographs.

What is a position-indicating device (PID)?

Guides the X-ray beam to the receptor, reducing scatter and improving accuracy.

What do beam alignment devices do?

Ensure correct angulation between the X-ray tube and receptor.

What are key parts of the X-ray unit?

Control panel, extension arm, tubehead.

What is the paralleling technique?

Sensor is parallel to the tooth; PID directs beam perpendicular to sensor.

What is the bisecting angle technique?

Sensor placed at an angle; central ray directed to bisect the angle between sensor and tooth.

How is a panoramic image acquired?

Patient stands or sits; the machine rotates around the head capturing the entire dental arch.

How are tori accommodated in imaging?

Adjust sensor placement to avoid bony growth interference.

How is a cleft palate managed during imaging?

Modify positioning and support to stabilize the patient.

How are shallow palates handled?

Adjust angulation and sensor placement to prevent distortion.

How is a narrow arch accommodated?

Adjust receptor placement and possibly use smaller sensors.

How do you fix unexposed, underexposed, or overexposed images?

Adjust contrast, density, mA, kVp, and exposure time.

What causes sensor placement errors?

Misalignment or patient movement; correct by repositioning sensor.

How do you correct beam alignment or paralleling device placement errors?

Reposition devices for proper angulation.

How do you correct central ray/PID misplacement?

Realign the PID with the sensor and tooth.

How are artifacts and foreign objects addressed?

Remove objects and retake image if necessary.

What is important about sensor integrity?

Ensure sensors are not cracked, damaged, or malfunctioning.

How do tubehead placement errors affect images?

Incorrect horizontal angulation causes overlapped contacts; vertical angulation causes distortion.

How does patient movement affect images?

Can cause blur or distortion; stabilize patient and retake image.

How should intraoral image receptors (PSP, CMOS, CCD) be cared for?

Clean, disinfect, handle carefully, store properly.

How should the X-ray unit be cared for?

Inspect, clean, calibrate, and maintain according to manufacturer guidelines.

How should computers used for viewing images be cared for?

Keep monitor, keyboard, and mouse clean; avoid contamination.

How do you manage patient anxiety during imaging?

Explain procedures, provide reassurance, use calm communication.

How do you accommodate patients with physical limitations or medical conditions?

Adjust positioning, use supportive devices, and modify techniques safely.

What are anatomical landmarks?

Recognizable structures on radiographs used for orientation.

What is the proper anatomical order for mounting radiographs?

Follow standard sequence (maxillary/mandibular, anterior/posterior, right/left).

What is the difference between radiopaque and radiolucent structures?

Radiopaque = white (dense), radiolucent = dark (less dense).

How are teeth labeled on images?

By name and universal tooth number, including primary and permanent teeth.

How is orientation determined?

By anterior/posterior, mesial/distal, maxillary/mandibular, facial/lingual positions.

What legal considerations apply to dental images?

HIPAA, retention policies, proper transfer, ownership, and charting documentation.