Week 2 (X-rays)

X-rays

A high energy electromagnetic wave that can pass through solid matter

Dental X-rays

Pictures of teeth, bone, & soft tissue used to determine if there are problems with the teeth, mouth, & jaw

Millisievert (mSv)

Measurement used for effective dose of radiation

Primary radiation

Occurs when the body absorbs radiation from the primary beam

Scattered radiation

Occurs when an X-ray beam is intercepted by an object (tooth) & deflected to expose body tissue

Tissue reactions

A non cancerous effect to the body from a dose of radiation

Stochastic effects

Effects that may develop over time due to radiation

Early tissue reactions

Reaction may occur shortly after exposure

Late tissue reactions

Reaction may occur months to years after exposure

Genetic effects

Radiation to the reproductive organs may damage the DNA of the sperm or egg

Wall mounted

Used to take periapical, occlusal, or full mouth series (FMX)

Handheld

Take same x-rays as a wall mount except they’re portable

Panorex

Not conducted to give a detailed view of each tooth but to provide a better view of the sinus areas, nasal areas, & mandible nerve

⭐️can be used to evaluate wisdom teeth & scan for cancer

Cephalometric

Mainly used in orthodontics

Cone beam x-rays

3D rays used for TMJ dysfunction, oral surgery, orthodontics, endodonics & implant placement

Conventional

Known as film based x-rays, use traditional photographic film to capture images of the teeth & surrounding structures

Digital

Use electronic sensors instead of film to capture images of the teeth

⭐️immediately available on a computer screen

Full mouth series (FMX or FMS)

Best overall look at the mouth

Consist of 18 images

Taken for the purpose of evaluating periodontal health & radiolucencies from either decay or infection

Bite wings (BW or BMX)

Known as cavity detecting x-rays

Used to diagnose interproximal (between the teeth) cavities

Periapical (PA or PAX)

Taken to see the tooth from the crown to the apex

Panorex (PAN)

General overview of the mouth, best view of the wisdom teeth, & used to scan for oral cancer

Cepalometric (CEPH)

Mostly used at the ortho to improve patients profile

⭐️identifies the jaw relationship & growth patterns

Taking X-ray on the upper right or lower left the prongs of the bar must be placed onto the _ side

Right

Taking X-ray on the upper left or lower right the prongs of the bar must be placed onto the _ side

Left

Bite block

The part the patient bites down on to hold the sensor in place

Indicator arm/rod

Metal or plastic arm that connects the bite block to the aiming ring

Aiming ring

The circular ring that is positioned outside the mouth & acts as a guide for the X-ray beam