Radiographic Examinations in Dentistry

Running head: MEDICAL
Medical
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MEDICAL
Answer: 1
The main consideration taken by the dental operator before the conduction of the
radiographic examinations include the age and gender (Jansson et al. 2014). Other factors
taken under consideration include evaluation of the dento-alveolar trauma in case of the intra-
oral radiographic examination. If the main zone of interest extends beyond the dento-alveolar
complex then extra-oral imaging is recommended. In case of bone-loss due to peri-dontal
disease, development of the anomalies along with occult disease is also considered. However,
it is not recommended to conduct radiographic screening for the purpose of detecting the
disease before conduction of the clinical examination (Jansson et al. 2014). In case of a child
with transitional dentition, individualised radiographic exam is considered done in the
posterior bitewings with the help of the panoramic exam and periapical images. 6-12 months
of interval is taken under consideration if the proximal surfaces cannot be examined visually
or by the use of the probe (Jansson et al. 2014).
Answer: 2
Artefacts in the image of the dental X-ray can occur as a result of the improper
handling of the packet of the film or improper process of the films, excessive moment of
tube. Thus in order to avoid the formation of artefacts over the X-ray film, proper handling of
the radiographic film and image processing technique must be undertaken like use of gloves
and controlling the exposure of the film during the developing phase. Tan et al. (2013) are of
the opinion that in order to control the distorted images, proper alignment of the tube is
important like vertical elongation at an optimum level. In order to avoid the finger marks
proper handling of hands is important like avoidance to contact of fluoride particles (grease)
over the finger tips. In order to control the blurred images proper movement of hands is
important during the tubing exposure. The duplicating image must be free from dirt and

2
MEDICAL
radiolucent spots (powder from the gloves, developer drops and spilling of developing
chemicals) thus developing stage must be done under utter sincerity (Tan et al. 2013).
Answer: 3
The bitewing film refers to little piece or tab of plastic or paper situated at the centre
of the X-ray film. The tab when bitten enables the film to hover so that it can capture an even
amount of the dental information. The bitewing portion of the film packet must be positioned
along the long axis either horizontally or vertically (Herman and Ashkenazi 2013). According
to Herman and Ashkenazi (2013), bitewing of the X-ray film is done in order to hold the teeth
of the patient in place that in between the film attached and on the side of their tongue. The
X-ray beam is directed outside of the cheek of the patient in order to make equitable
exposure. This particular design helps to get a clearer image as the bite of the patient helps to
keep the film still and free from distortion thereby making it easier in order to view the signs
of the early decay of teeth.
Answer: 4
There are three types of intra-oral X-rays
(i) Bite-wing X-rays: It helps to highlight the lower and the upper part of the teeth in one area
of the mouth. After each bite-wing the teeth is exposed from its crown (the exposed surface)
to the base level of the supporting bone. It used to detect the thickness of the gum disease
(Ludwig et al. 2016)
(ii) Peri-apical X-rays: It is done to show whole portion of the mouth starting crown area to
beyond the root where the tooth is attached within the haw. Entire portion of the teeth is
exposed in exposed thus helping to detect unusual changes in the root and the surrounding