Radiation Biology and Dental Radiography

A set of practice flashcards focusing on key vocabulary and concepts related to Radiation Biology and Dental Radiography.

Radiation

Transmission of energy through space and matter.

Ionization

Basic mechanism of tissue damage from x-ray exposure, involving separation of atoms into charged particles.

Radiation Absorption

Total transfer of energy from x-ray photons to client tissues.

Radiation Biology

The study of the action of ionizing or non-ionizing radiation on living tissue.

Ionization Mechanism

Occurs when x-rays strike patient tissue, causing chemical changes.

X-ray Photon

Energy packets that can ionize atoms and cause damage at the cellular level.

Free Radical Formation

Cell damage that occurs primarily through the formation of reactive atoms or molecules.

Direct Theory

Cell damage that occurs when ionizing radiation directly hits critical areas within the cell.

Indirect Theory

Cell damage that occurs via free radical formation, which leads to toxins damaging cells.

Dose-Response Curve

Used to correlate the damage of tissue with the dose of radiation received.

Stochastic Effects

Effects that are a direct function of the dose; severity does not depend on dose magnitude.

Non-stochastic Effects

Effects that increase in severity with increasing absorbed dose.

Latent Period

Time that elapses between exposure to radiation and observable signs.

Cumulative Effects

Effects of radiation exposure that are additive and accumulate in tissues.

Radiosensitive Cells

Cells that are more susceptible to radiation damage.

Radioresistant Cells

Cells that are less susceptible to radiation damage.

Critical Organ

An organ that, if damaged, diminishes the quality of a person's life.

Roentgen

Traditional measurement unit for radiation exposure.

Gray (Gy)

SI unit for absorbed radiation dose.

Sievert (Sv)

SI unit for equivalent dose of radiation.

Exposure Measurement

Determining the amount of ionization in air due to radiation.

Added Filtration

Placement of aluminum disks to filter out low-energy x-rays from the beam.

Collimation

Restricting the size and shape of the x-ray beam to reduce patient exposure.

Position-Indicating Device (PID)

Extension of x-ray tubehead used to direct the x-ray beam.

Thyroid Collar

A flexible lead shield to protect the thyroid gland from scatter radiation.

Lead Apron

Placed over patients to protect reproductive organs from scatter radiation.

Digital Image Receptors

Sensor used to reduce radiation exposure and improve diagnostic quality.

Proper Technique

Method to minimize retakes and reduce patient exposure during x-ray procedures.

ALARA Concept

Principle to ensure radiation exposure is kept as low as reasonably achievable.

Risk vs. Benefit

The assessment of the potential benefits of radiographs against risks of radiation exposure.

Ionizing Radiation

Type of radiation that can cause biologic damage by ionizing atoms.

Radiation Safety Guidelines

Regulations to protect both patient and operator during radiographic procedures.

Cumulative Occupational Dose

Total amount of radiation a worker may safely accumulate over their lifetime.

ACUTE Radiation Syndrome (ARS)

Occurs after high doses of radiation over a short duration, showing symptoms like nausea.

Background Radiation

Natural or artificial ionizing radiation that exists in the environment.

Somatic Effects

Radiation effects seen in irradiated individuals, not passed to future generations.

Genetic Effects

Radiation effects that are not seen in irradiated individuals but can affect future generations.

Erythema

A reddening of the skin caused by radiation exposure.

Dose Equivalent Measurement

Comparative measure of biologic effects of different types of radiation.

Radiation Exposure Guidelines

Standards set to minimize exposure during dental procedures.

Safe Distance During Exposure

Dental radiographer should maintain at least 6 feet from the tubehead.

Filtration Standards

Regulated levels of aluminum filtration required for x-ray machines.

Proper Equipment Use

Using compliant equipment to minimize radiation exposure.

Digital Sensor Advantage

Faster image feedback resulting in reduced exposure time to patients.

Film Speed

Classification of radiographic film, with F-speed being faster and less exposing than D-speed.

Lead Shielding

Wall design in dental offices to protect radiographers from exposure.

Patient Education

Communication with the patient to explain radiographic procedures and mitigate anxiety.

X-ray Equipment Monitoring

Regular check-ups on dental x-ray machines to ensure safety and functionality.

Personnel Monitoring

Usage of a radiation badge to track radiation exposure of dental staff.

Filtration Types

Types include inherent and added filtration for x-ray tubes.

Artificial Radiation Sources

Radiation from technology such as medical x-rays and nuclear medicine.

Natural Background Radiation Sources

Radiation like cosmic rays, radon, and terrestrial materials.

Clinical Evidence for Radiographs

Indications that support the necessity for x-ray examinations.

Mitotic Activity

The rate of cell division affecting radiosensitivity.

Cell Differentiation

Degree of specialization of cells impacting their sensitivity to radiation.

Human-made Radiation Sources

Radiation from consumer products and fallout.

3 in 1 Million Risk

Estimated risk of developing fatal cancer from dental radiography.

Cancer Risk Factors in Radiation

Threshold doses associated with increased cancer risk from radiation exposure.

Radiation Health and Safety Acts

Legislation regulating the safety of radiation use.

Operator Protection Methods

Approaches like proper distance and shielding to protect dental staff.

Mitigating Risks in Dentistry

Balancing the need for radiographic images against potential health risks.

Ionizing Process Timeline

Sequence of events leading to ionization and subsequent biotic impact.

Regulation of Radiation Dose

Limits imposed to control radiation received by patients and radiographers.

Fetching Films Efficiently

Techniques to handle x-ray films to avoid artifacts.

Low Energy X-ray Filtering

Removal of less penetrating rays to enhance patient safety.

Usage of Collimators

Devices to shape and size the x-ray beam, enhancing safety.

Examining X-ray Equipment

Regular assessments of x-ray instrumentation for compliance.

Understanding Radiation Effects

Comprehending the broad impacts of radiation on biological systems.

Person-Centric X-ray Procedures

Tailoring radiographic techniques based on patient-specific factors.

Resistant Cells

Cells which withstand ionizing radiation more effectively.

Impact of Age on Radiation Sensitivity

Younger individuals typically experience greater radiation damage.

Positional Recommendations for Safety

Specific angles to maintain safety while operating radiographic equipment.

Consequences of Poor Receptor Handling

Improper handling leading to non-diagnostic and repeat exposures.

Radiation Safety Legislation Overview

Legal framework governing the use and regulation of radiation in health settings.

Reproductive Tissue Protection

Shielding methods to prevent exposure of sensitive reproductive tissues.