Dental Dental Radiography 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What type of dental X-ray shows the entire tooth from crown to root tip and surrounding bone?
- Bitewing
- Periapical (Correct answer)
- Panoramic
- Occlusal
Correct answer: Periapical
Periapical radiographs capture the entire tooth structure including the root apex and surrounding alveolar bone.
Question 2: Bitewing radiographs are primarily used to detect which dental condition?
- Periapical abscesses
- Interproximal caries (Correct answer)
- Root fractures
- Impacted teeth
Correct answer: Interproximal caries
Bitewing X-rays are the standard diagnostic tool for detecting interproximal (between teeth) cavities and assessing crestal bone levels.
Question 3: What is the ALARA principle in dental radiography?
- Always Limit All Radiation Amounts
- As Low As Reasonably Achievable (Correct answer)
- Apply Lead Aprons Routinely Always
- Avoid Large Area Radiation Applications
Correct answer: As Low As Reasonably Achievable
ALARA stands for As Low As Reasonably Achievable and is the guiding radiation safety principle requiring minimal exposure while obtaining diagnostically acceptable images.
Question 4: Which film placement technique uses a paralleling device to hold the film parallel to the long axis of the tooth?
- Bisecting angle technique
- Paralleling technique (Correct answer)
- Occlusal technique
- Panoramic technique
Correct answer: Paralleling technique
The paralleling technique positions the film parallel to the tooth and directs the X-ray beam perpendicular to both, producing the most dimensionally accurate images.
Question 5: What does a radiolucent area appear as on a dental radiograph?
- Bright white
- Dark/black (Correct answer)
- Gray
- Speckled
Correct answer: Dark/black
Radiolucent structures absorb fewer X-rays and allow more radiation to reach the film/sensor, appearing dark or black on the radiograph.
Question 6: A panoramic radiograph (OPG) is most useful for evaluating which of the following?
- Interproximal caries
- Pulpal pathology
- Impacted third molars and jaw fractures (Correct answer)
- Recurrent decay under crowns
Correct answer: Impacted third molars and jaw fractures
Panoramic radiographs provide a broad view of the entire dentition, jaws, and surrounding structures, making them ideal for assessing impacted teeth, jaw pathology, and fractures.
Dental Dental Radiography 1
What type of dental X-ray shows the entire tooth from crown to root tip and surrounding bone?