Dental Radiology Basic Terminology

Vocabulary-style flashcards covering essential dental radiography terminology, including imaging techniques, equipment components, and diagnostic concepts.

Radiograph

An image produced on film or digitally by the passage of x-rays through an object or body.

X-ray

A form of electromagnetic radiation capable of penetrating tissues and producing images on a receptor.

Radiology

The branch of medicine that uses imaging technologies, including x-rays, to diagnose and treat diseases.

Dental Radiography

The process of taking radiographs of the teeth and surrounding oral structures using x-ray technology.

Image Receptor

The medium that captures the x-ray image, such as film, digital sensor, or phosphor plate.

Exposure

The act of subjecting the image receptor to x-rays to produce a radiograph.

Kilovoltage ($kVp$)

Controls the quality (penetrating power) of the x-ray beam.

Milliamperage ($mA$)

Controls the quantity of x-rays produced.

Contrast

The difference in degrees of black, white, and gray on a radiograph.

Density

The overall darkness or lightness of a radiograph.

Latent Image

The invisible image on the receptor after exposure but before processing.

Processing

The steps used to convert the latent image into a visible image.

Digital Radiography

A method of capturing radiographic images using digital sensors.

Intraoral Radiograph

An image taken with the receptor placed inside the mouth.

Extraoral Radiograph

An image taken with the receptor outside the mouth.

Bitewing

A type of intraoral radiograph that shows the crowns of upper and lower teeth.

Periapical

An intraoral image that shows the entire tooth and surrounding bone.

Panoramic Radiograph

An extraoral image that captures the entire mouth in a single image.

Radiopaque

Structures that appear white or light on a radiograph.

Radiolucent

Structures that appear dark on a radiograph.

Cone Beam Computed Tomography ($CBCT$)

A $3D$ imaging technique that provides detailed views of dental structures, soft tissues, nerve paths, and bone.

Dosimetry

The measurement and calculation of the radiation dose received by the human body.

Collimation

The process of restricting the size and shape of the x-ray beam to reduce patient exposure.

Anode

The positive electrode in the x-ray tube where x-rays are generated.

Cathode

The negative electrode in the x-ray tube that emits electrons.

Focal Spot

The area on the anode where electrons hit and x-rays are produced.

Half-Value Layer ($HVL$)

The thickness of a material required to reduce the x-ray beam intensity by half.

Scatter Radiation

Radiation that has been deflected from its original path by interaction with matter.

Primary Radiation

The useful beam of x-rays that exits the tubehead.

Secondary Radiation

Radiation created when the primary beam interacts with matter.

Grid

A device used to reduce scatter radiation and improve image contrast.

Radiographic Interpretation

The process of reading and diagnosing conditions from radiographic images.

Artifact

Any distortion or error in a radiographic image that may interfere with diagnosis.

Magnification

The enlargement of an image compared to the actual size of the object.

Distortion

A change in the shape or size of the image compared to the actual object.

Paralleling Technique

A method of intraoral radiography where the receptor is placed parallel to the long axis of the tooth.

Bisecting Angle Technique

A method of intraoral radiography using an imaginary bisector to determine the angle of the x-ray beam.

Radiographic Contrast Agents

Substances used to enhance the visibility of structures in radiographic images.

Film Speed

The sensitivity of the radiographic film to x-rays.

Radiation Protection

Measures taken to safeguard patients and operators from excessive exposure to radiation.