HLTDEN002: Comprehensive Analysis of Dental Radiography Principles

This assignment provides comprehensive answers to questions related to dental radiography, covering topics such as film processing techniques (both manual and automated), storage and maintenance of radiographic films and solutions, digital radiography, and the use of Orthopantomograms (OPG). It discusses the steps involved in preparing films for automatic processing, including safety precautions and buffer times. The assignment also explains the manual processing of X-ray films, detailing the developing, washing, fixing, and drying stages. Furthermore, it addresses the storage and maintenance protocols for unprocessed films, emphasizing temperature and humidity control. The advantages and disadvantages of digital radiography are explored, along with its applications in urgent dental imaging scenarios. Finally, the assignment describes the use of OPG in dental check-ups and the importance of proper patient preparation and positioning during the procedure. This document provides a detailed overview of key concepts in dental radiography.

Running head: DENTAL RADIOLOGY
Dental Radiology
Name of the Student
Name of the University
Author Note

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Question 1
Given in the template in tabular format
Question 2
Methods used when preparing film for processing in an automatic processor
1. Switching off the over-head light and turning on the safe light
2. Placing the film over the clean working surface by handling it over the edges
3. Inserting the unwrapped film into the film feed slot of the process one in a single go
4. 10 seconds buffer time between insertions of each film
5. Precaution in turning the films in sideways or quickly in order to prevent overlap
6. After films have been inserted, 4 to 6 minutes of time is required for automated processing
7. Retrieval of the processed radiographs from the film recovery slot
Automated processor has a light shielded compartment that is equipped with transport
mechanism that picks up the unwrapped film and makes it pass through the different sections
like developing, fixing, washing and drying sections. The automated system has a series of
roller that moves the film through the developing solution at constant speed (Boucly et al.
2013).
Question 3
The manual processing of X-ray film mainly deals with the transformation of the
latent images into visible images. This transformation of the latent images into visible images

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is known as processing. Processing consists of developing, rinsing, fixing, washing and
drying (Boucly et al. 2013).
1. Developing: Conversion of latent image into black metallic silver. The film is dipped
into the developer solution which reduces energized ionized silver bromide crystals
via adding electrons and subsequently removing halides. This precipitates the metallic
silver in the emulsion layer. The negative charge of the electrons attracts the free
silver ions and thereby further reducing it into black metallic atoms.
2. Wash: Removal of excess developer and the gelatine emulsion. This is done via
placing the film into a water bath. The washing as reduces the alkalinity of the
residual developer and thereby ceasing the reaction
3. Fixing or hardening: Help to dissolve unexposed halide crystals. This is because
unexposed silver halides are insoluble in water
4. Washing: Removes products of processing
5. Drying: Removes extra water
Floating thermometer, a timer and the time - temperature are three crucial ingredients
in manual X-ray film processing (Boucly et al. 2013).
Question 4
Storage and maintenance of the unprocessed and/or unexposed film occur inside a
card board box through which the light cannot pass. Inside the cardboard box, the film
remains wrapped in moisture-proof wrap so that the film remains dry. The card board box is
stored in cool and dry place with the temperature between 10 to 24 degree C. The film is
stored away from the X-ray as radiation from X-ray might damage the unexposed film. At
times sling psychometer is used in order to measure the relative humidity of the room where

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the film is stored. The permissible relative humidity should remain in between 30 to 50%
(Whaites and Drage 2013).
The radiographic stock or the developer solution is stored in amber coloured bottle
which is opaque in nature and thus light cannot pass through it. The cap of the bottle is air
sealed and the bottle is stored in a cool and dry place, away from the reach of sunlight, X-rays
and humidity (Whaites and Drage 2013).
The benefits of stocktaking and ordering process prevent misuse of the radiographic stock
solution (Whaites and Drage 2013).
Question 5
Digital Radiography is a type of X-ray imaging. It is process where digital X-ray
sensors are employed instead of traditional photographic film. The main advantage of the
digital radiography is, it is time efficient process. This is because, it helps to side-pass the
step of chemical processing via digitally transferring and enhancing the images. Some
disadvantages of digital radiography have an ability to magnify images which at times lead to
over-interpretation of the structures leading to misleading results. Another prominent dis-
advantage of the digital radiography is its high-cost maintenance and high start-up cost.
Moreover images are required to be processed immediately an any delay in processing will
lead to complete loss of image data. This is because, the trapped electrons return back to the
lower energy state (Whaites and Drage 2013).
The digital radiography is mainly used when there is an urgent requirement in the
dental radiography. This is because, it provides immediate image preview while eliminating
the need to costly film processing steps (Whaites and Drage 2013).

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Answer 6
OPG is a type of dental X-ray which produces panoramic view of the jaw. A
specialised x-ray machine is used to generate images during OPG. The specialised x-ray
machine rotates around the patient’s head while the patient remain still either is standing or
sitting position. OPG is commonly used during general dental check up. However, it is also
used to get general view of teeth, teeth cavities, and teeth impactions along with other tutors,
infection, dislocation and sinuses (White and Pharoah 2014).
For patient preparation during OPG, I will ensure that the patient is not wearing any
jeweller or eyewear and other metallic accessories or implants as this will show up in x-ray
and thereby obscuring important structures (White and Pharoah 2014).
The patient position is correct in the picture because the patient she is not wearing any
jewellery, or spectacles, her chin is rested over a plastic rest while she is biting gently the
mouth piece is order to keep her face fixed (White and Pharoah 2014).

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References
Boucly, A., Inglese, J.M. and Congy, P., Carestream Health Inc, 2013. Dental radiology
apparatus and signal processing method used therewith. U.S. Patent 8,481,956.
Whaites, E. and Drage, N., 2013. Essentials of dental radiography and radiology. Elsevier
Health Sciences.
White, S.C. and Pharoah, M.J., 2014. Oral radiology-E-Book: Principles and interpretation.
Elsevier Health Sciences.