Dental Radiography Practice Flashcards

This set of vocabulary flashcards covers the foundational concepts of dental radiography, including facial anatomy, various X-ray techniques (intra-oral and extra-oral), image receptors, panoramic imaging, CBCT, and the regulatory roles defined by IRMER.

Facial Bones

A group of 14 bones including the Zygomatic, Lacrimal, Inferior nasal conchae, Nasal, Palatine, Maxilla (paired), Vomer, and Mandible (unpaired) that provide structural framework and support for the face.

Maxilla

The paired facial bones that form the upper jaw and house the maxillary teeth.

Mandible

The unpaired facial bone forming the lower jaw and housing the mandibular teeth.

Intra-Oral X-ray

X-rays taken inside the mouth, such as periapicals and bitewings.

Extra-Oral X-rays

X-rays taken outside the mouth, including Lateral obliques, Occlusals, DPTs, and CBCTs.

Periapical Radiography

A type of intra-oral radiography where X-rays are taken of individual teeth and the surrounding bone to assess periodontal status, infection, or root shape.

Paralleling Technique

An intra-oral technique using Rinn holders where the film is placed parallel to the long axis of the tooth, allowing the X-ray beam to hit the receptor at $90^{\circ}$.

Phosphor plates

One of the three types of digital image receptors used at GSTT, available in 4 sizes.

Bitewings

Radiographs used for the detection of caries, assessing bone levels, and evaluating existing restorations.

Vertical Bitewings

Bitewings taken specifically when there is more than $6\,mm$ of bone loss.

Dental Panoramic Tomography (DPT)

Also known as an Orthopantomogram (OPG), it provides a 2D wide-view overview of the entire dentition by moving the X-ray tube and receptor around the head.

Focal Trough

The horseshoe-shaped 'in-focus layer' in panoramic radiography where the patient's teeth must be correctly positioned.

Magnification in OPG

The result of the distance between the focal trough and the image receptor, typically creating a magnification of approximately $\times 1.3$ in the final image.

Lateral Oblique

An extra-oral X-ray using a plate size of $18\,cm \times 24\,cm$, used for assessing unerupted teeth or mandible fractures when intra-oral views are unobtainable.

Occlusals

Radiographs like the Upper Standard (taken with a Size 4 plate) used to detect calculi in the submandibular duct or assess dento-alveolar trauma.

Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT)

A 3D imaging modality that divides the volume into voxels and allows for reconstruction in coronal, sagittal, and axial planes.

Voxels

The tiny cubes into which the computer divides the volume during primary reconstruction of a CBCT scan.

Justification

The IRMER principle stating no practice shall be adopted unless its introduction produces a net positive benefit.

ALARP

An acronym standing for 'As Low As Reasonably Practicable,' referring to keeping radiation exposures minimal for patient safety.

Referrer

The clinician who refers a patient for an X-ray and supplies necessary clinical information.

Practitioner

The individual responsible for assessing risks versus benefits and carrying out the justification of the X-ray.

Operator

The individual who verifies the referral, confirms justification, and is responsible for carrying out the radiation exposure.