Dental Radiography and Radiographs

Study Notes

Dental radiography: the process of producing images of the teeth and surrounding tissues using X-rays or other forms of electromagnetic radiation.
Purpose: to diagnose and monitor oral health conditions, including dental caries, periodontal disease, and abnormalities in the jaw and facial bones.

Intraoral radiographs:
- Bite-wing radiographs: show the upper and lower teeth and the surrounding bone.
- Periapical radiographs: show the entire tooth, including the root and surrounding bone.
- Occlusal radiographs: show the teeth and jawbone in the occlusal (biting) surface.
Extraoral radiographs:
- Panoramic radiographs: show the entire mouth, including the teeth, jawbone, and surrounding tissues.
- Cephalometric radiographs: show the entire head, including the teeth, jawbone, and facial bones.
- Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) radiographs: show detailed 3D images of the teeth and surrounding tissues.

Principles of radiation safety:
- As Low As Reasonably Achievable (ALARA) principle: minimize exposure to radiation.
- Use of lead aprons and thyroid collars to reduce exposure.
- Limiting the number of radiographs taken.
Radiation exposure guidelines:
- National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements (NCRP) guidelines.
- American Dental Association (ADA) guidelines.

Advantages:
- Lower radiation exposure.
- Immediate image availability.
- Ability to enhance and manipulate images.
- Environmentally friendly (no chemical processing).
Types of digital radiography:
- Direct digital radiography: uses a digital sensor to capture the image.
- Indirect digital radiography: uses a phosphor plate to capture the image, which is then scanned and digitized.

Key elements to evaluate:
- Tooth morphology and structure.
- Bone quality and density.
- Presence of pathology (e.g. caries, periodontal disease).
- Presence of anomalies (e.g. extra teeth, root fractures).
Importance of accurate interpretation:
- Accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.
- Identification of potential oral health problems.

Dental radiography is the process of producing images of the teeth and surrounding tissues using X-rays or other forms of electromagnetic radiation.
The purpose of dental radiography is to diagnose and monitor oral health conditions, including dental caries, periodontal disease, and abnormalities in the jaw and facial bones.

Intraoral radiographs include:
- Bite-wing radiographs that show the upper and lower teeth and the surrounding bone.
- Periapical radiographs that show the entire tooth, including the root and surrounding bone.
- Occlusal radiographs that show the teeth and jawbone in the occlusal (biting) surface.
Extraoral radiographs include:
- Panoramic radiographs that show the entire mouth, including the teeth, jawbone, and surrounding tissues.
- Cephalometric radiographs that show the entire head, including the teeth, jawbone, and facial bones.
- Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) radiographs that show detailed 3D images of the teeth and surrounding tissues.

The ALARA principle aims to minimize exposure to radiation.
Lead aprons and thyroid collars are used to reduce exposure to radiation.
The number of radiographs taken should be limited.
Radiation exposure guidelines are set by the National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements (NCRP) and the American Dental Association (ADA).

Advantages of digital radiography include:
- Lower radiation exposure.
- Immediate image availability.
- Ability to enhance and manipulate images.
- Environmentally friendly (no chemical processing).
Types of digital radiography include:
- Direct digital radiography that uses a digital sensor to capture the image.
- Indirect digital radiography that uses a phosphor plate to capture the image, which is then scanned and digitized.

Key elements to evaluate in dental radiographs include:
- Tooth morphology and structure.
- Bone quality and density.
- Presence of pathology (e.g. caries, periodontal disease).
- Presence of anomalies (e.g. extra teeth, root fractures).
Accurate interpretation of dental radiographs is important for:
- Accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.
- Identification of potential oral health problems.