Radiology Test 2

Intra-oral X-ray Machine

An X-ray machine that takes images from inside the mouth.

Extra-oral X-ray Machine

An X-ray machine that takes images from outside the mouth.

Dental X-ray Holders

Devices that hold and align intra-oral receptors, preventing patient from holding them.

Paralleling Technique

A method in radiography requiring dental X-ray holders for proper alignment.

Beam Alignment Devices

Combine receptor holders with collimators to restrict beam size and reduce patient exposure.

Cathode in X-ray Production

The negatively charged electrode that produces electrons.

Anode in X-ray Production

The positively charged target where electrons strike to produce X-rays.

Voltage

The measurement of electrical force pushing electrons from cathode to anode.

Kilovoltage Peak (kVp)

The maximum voltage in an X-ray machine that controls electron speed and quality of the X-ray beam.

Density in Radiographs

The overall darkness or blackness of a dental radiograph.

High Contrast Radiograph

A radiograph with many blacks/whites and few grays, best for caries detection.

Low Contrast Radiograph

A radiograph with many shades of gray, best for periodontal/periapical disease.

Milliamperage (mA)

Current flowing through the cathode filament; dental units typically use 7–15 mA.

Exposure Time

The duration during which X-rays are produced, measured in impulses.

1 Impulse

Equivalent to 1/60 second in X-ray production.

Milliampere-Seconds (mAs)

A combined factor of milliamperes and exposure time.

Intensity of X-rays

Affected by kVp, mA, exposure time, and distance.