Radiographic Techniques and Errors Flashcards
7 cards from real RDA practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Radiographic Techniques and Errors flashcards as text
Which of the following BEST describes the appearance of an elongated image on a periapical radiograph?
Answer: The tooth image appears longer than actual length
Elongation means the radiographic image of the tooth is longer than the actual tooth, caused by insufficient vertical angulation.
A radiograph exhibits a light (underexposed) image overall. Which of the following is the LEAST likely cause?
Answer: Excessive kVp setting
Excessive kVp would produce a darker (overexposed) image, not a lighter one; all other options reduce X-ray energy reaching the receptor.
During a mandibular molar periapical exposure, the patient complains the receptor is painful on the floor of the mouth. The BEST solution is to:
Answer: Use a cotton roll under the receptor to redirect it
Placing a cotton roll under the edge of the receptor cushions it and redirects pressure away from sensitive tissues on the floor of the mouth.
Which panoramic positioning error causes a Cheshire cat or ghost image of the spine to appear in the center of the film?
Answer: Patient positioned with spine not erect (slouching)
When the patient slouches or the cervical spine is not straight and upright, the dense vertebral column creates a ghost image superimposed over the midline of the panoramic image.
Static electricity artifacts on dental radiographs appear as:
Answer: Black branching or lightning bolt-like marks
Static electricity discharge produces characteristic dark, branching, lightning bolt-shaped marks on the processed radiograph.
A bitewing radiograph shows the maxillary teeth occupying more than half of the film. Which error occurred?
Answer: Excessive positive vertical angulation used
Excessive positive (downward) vertical angulation projects the maxillary teeth toward the lower portion, making them appear larger and occupy more of the image.
Which of the following will MOST directly reduce patient radiation dose during dental radiography without sacrificing image quality?
Answer: Using faster image receptors (F-speed film or digital)
Faster receptors (F-speed film or digital sensors) require less radiation to produce a diagnostic image, directly reducing patient dose.