Dental Radiography Equipment, Receptors, and Principles

Vocabulary flashcards focusing on dental x-ray machine component parts, film holders, beam alignment devices, receptor types and sizes, and basic radiography terminology based on Chapters 7, 9, and 12.

Extension Arm

The component of a dental x-ray machine that suspends and allows for the positioning of the tubehead.

Control Panel

The component of a dental x-ray machine containing the on-off switch, indicator lights, exposure button, and control settings for time, kilovolt peak, and milliamperage.

Position Indicating Device (PID)

An open-ended, lead-lined cylinder extending from the tubehead used to aim and direct the x-ray beam, lining up with the aiming ring.

Film Holder

A device, such as Stabe or Snap-A-Ray, used to hold intraoral dental receptors in the patient's mouth.

Beam Alignment Device

A device, such as Rinn XCP or BAI instruments, used to hold a receptor and assist the radiographer in aligning the PID relative to the tooth and receptor.

External Collimating Device

An attachment fitted to the x-ray machine that restricts the size of the x-ray beam and reduces the amount of radiation exposure to the patient.

Portable Dental X-Ray Units

Handheld, mobile x-ray units equipped with a built-in shield that allow for exposures outside of a standard dental office, such as at health fairs or mobile dental services.

Photostimulable Phosphor Plate (PSP)

A reusable digital intraoral receptor plate sealed in a protective barrier that stores x-ray image information until it is scanned and uploaded via a processing machine.

Direct Sensor

A digital intraoral sensor connected directly to a computer via a USB cable, instantly uploading captured images.

Identification Dot

A small raised bump located on one corner of an intraoral film packet used to orient the film, which must face outward toward the x-ray tube.

Bite-Wing Radiograph

An intraoral image used to examine the interproximal crowns of both maxillary and mandibular teeth on a single image.

Periapical Radiograph

An intraoral radiograph used to examine the entire tooth from crown to root, including $2\,mm$ of supporting bone beyond the apex.

Occlusal Film

A larger intraoral receptor used for examining large areas of either the maxilla or mandible in a single image.

Size 0 Receptor

An intraoral receptor measuring $22 \times 35\,mm$ (or $\frac{7}{8}\,in \times 1\,\frac{3}{8}\,in$), standard for small children.

Size 1 Receptor

An intraoral receptor measuring $24 \times 40\,mm$ (or $\frac{15}{16}\,in \times 1\,\frac{9}{16}\,in$).

Size 2 Receptor

An intraoral receptor measuring $30.5 \times 40.5\,mm$ (or $1\,\frac{1}{4}\,in \times 1\,\frac{5}{8}\,in$), commonly used as a standard adult receptor.

Size 3 Receptor

An intraoral receptor measuring $27 \times 54\,mm$ (or $1\,\frac{1}{16}\,in \times 1\,\frac{5}{8}\,in$), designed exclusively for bite-wing images.

Size 4 Receptor

An intraoral receptor measuring $57 \times 76\,mm$ (or $2\,\frac{1}{4}\,in \times 3\,in$), used for occlusal radiographs.

Extraoral Radiographs

Receptors positioned outside the patient's mouth during exposure to examine large areas of the skull or jaw structure.

Panoramic Image

An extraoral image that shows a wide view of the maxilla, mandible, and surrounding anatomical structures.

Cephalometric Image

An extraoral image showing the bony and soft tissue structures of the facial profile, commonly used in orthodontics.

Dental Image

A two-dimensional representation of a three-dimensional object produced by the passage of x-rays through teeth and supporting structures.