Paralleling Technique and Beam Alignment (Dental Radiography)

Vocabulary flashcards covering the basic principles, devices, rules, and effects related to the paralleling technique in dental radiography.

Paralleling Technique

A radiographic method in which the image receptor is parallel to the long axis of the tooth and the central ray is perpendicular to both, reducing distortion.

Image receptor

The film or sensor used to capture a dental radiographic image, placed parallel to the tooth's long axis.

Central ray (CR)

The x-ray beam directed toward the receptor and tooth during exposure.

Perpendicular

At a right angle; the central ray should be perpendicular to both the receptor and the long axis of the tooth.

Beam Alignment Device

A tool used to maintain proper receptor position and ensure correct x-ray beam alignment, reducing cone-cuts and distortion.

Cone-cut

A defect in an image where part of the area is not exposed due to improper beam-receptor alignment.

Receptor-holding device

Equipment used to hold the receptor in the correct position during exposure.

Prescribed area of interest

The region of the tooth or area that the radiograph is intended to show and cover with the receptor.

Receptor parallel to long axis

The receptor must be positioned parallel to the tooth's long axis to minimize distortion.

Central ray perpendicular to receptor and long axis

The central ray must be perpendicular to both the receptor and the tooth's long axis.

Exposure settings and distance

Maintaining correct exposure parameters and source-to-receptor distance for optimal image quality.

Target-Receptor Distance (TRD)

The distance between the X-ray target (source) and the receptor; increasing TRD reduces magnification and improves sharpness.