Dental Radiography: Chemicals, Equipment, Risks, and Patient Concerns

This assignment delves into the specifics of dental radiography, covering key aspects such as the chemicals used in developing radiographs (hydroquinone and alkalizer), their functions, and handling precautions. It explores various resources utilized for image acquisition, including holders, films, receptors, mounting sheets, and software. The assignment further examines different imaging equipment like intra-oral and extra-oral X-ray machines, along with computer programs and image receptors, detailing their uses and objectives. Finally, it addresses the risks associated with radiography, particularly radiation exposure, and its impact on different age groups, including children and adults. It also touches upon patient concerns and offers suggestions on how to reassure them. The assignment highlights the importance of understanding the balance between diagnostic benefits and potential risks, and suggests consulting with relevant healthcare professionals to address patient anxieties.

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Table of Contents
Q1. Two chemicals used in developing a radiograph , their use and precautions in order to
handle them.................................................................................................................................1
Q 2. Different resources used for taking images.........................................................................1
Q. 3 Uses and aims of different imaging equipments................................................................2
Q.4. Radiography comes with risk and this concerns individual regarding dental imaging.......2

Q1. Two chemicals used in developing a radiograph , their use and precautions in order to handle
them.
Two chemicals that are used in developing a radiograph are hydroquinone and Alkalizer
 Hydroquinone is used for various purposes. The main use of hydroquinone is that it acts
as a reducing agent. Apart from this, it has various other uses such as hydroquinone as a
polymerization inhibitor, helps in preventing polymerization of acrylic acid,
cyanoacrylate, Methyl Methacrylate as well as other monomers that are susceptible to
radical initiated polymerisation. It is also used for whitening of skin. Furthermore, it can
be used to lose a proton from both the hydroxyl groups in order to form a diphenolate salt
which can be used to alter comonomer unit in order to produce polymer PEEK(Adappa
and et.al., 2015).
In order to handle or store them they should be stored in a container which has been tightly
closed. It should be stored in a cool and dry place which proper ventilated area. They should also
be protected against any physical damage as well as it should be isolated from heat such as from
oxidizing material, direct sunlight, etc. even the container of this chemical may be hazardous
when empty because it may contain residues of the product.
 Alkalizer is used to provide alkaline mineral in which the reducer reacts. Apart from this,
it is used to soften and swell the gelatin emulsion as well as it helps to attract the exposed
silver bromide crystals. In order to handle the product, prevent contact with eye, skin and
clothing as well as do not eat, drink and smoke while using it. It should be stored in a
tightly closed container at a dry and close place with proper ventilation. store away from
strong bases such as metals. Dispose it as per the local, state and federal regulations.
Q 2. Different resources used for taking images
Different resources that are used for taking images are:
 holder – holder helps in rendering image placeholders completely in a browser.
Placeholders include characteristics such as customs, fonts, color, resizing behaviour and
rendering engine.
 Film – it is an art that is used to create durable images trough recording light. Film may
be defined as a chemical reactive material that helps in recording the still image when the
film has been exposed to light.
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 receptors – receptors are generally used for radiography and helps in taking images which
are of low quality. They are also known as screening.
 mounting sheets – mounting sheets are used in order to give images a firm back. There
are various techniques used in order to mount images and the selection of best technique
depends on the importance of a photo.
 software – there are different kinds of software that are used in order to edit the images
such as Adobe.
Q. 3 Uses and aims of different imaging equipments
Different imaging equipments are as follows:
 intra-oral x ray machine – it is a kind of dental x ray imaging equipment with the aim to
carry out x ray film inside the mouth such as to find cavities or to have a look at tooth
roots, etc.
 extra-oral x ray machine – it is a kind of equipment which is used by dentist in order to
find out the problem in the jaw or skull such as look at the status of impacted teeth, etc.
 computer programme – they are better in performing certain tasks. These are used to
diagnose the operational status .
 developer – it is a chemical mix which helps in exposure of photograph with positive as
well as negative effects.
 image receptor - it is a device that is used to intercept the beam of x ray after it passes
through the patients body.
A dentist can use dental forceps in the absence of the above.
Q.4. Radiography comes with risk and this concerns individual regarding dental imaging.
Risk that arises due to increased use of radiology concerns individual in some or the other
way such as :
Children and adults – children are still growing and they are very sensitive towards
radiation. There is increased risk for them to suffer from brain tumor and leukemia. The study
shows that a child is three times more likely to suffer from this disease if he/ she undergoes
radiography them a child which does not. Similarly, adults are also likely to suffer from this
disease because they are very prone to radiation.
Young people and older people – young and old people also suffer with the risk of
radiography. Those who go through continuous x - rays attracts the chances of suffering from
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cancer. Especially chest cancer and even the risk of people suffering from cancer is more for
females as compared to males.
Though special needs arises regarding dental imaging and in order to reassure their
concerns, I would refer these questions to their family members, or their personal or regular
doctors or their close friends.
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REFERENCE
Adappa, D. and et.al., 2015. Being Environmental Friendly in Dental Radiology-" Be
the Change". Balkan Military Medical Review. 18(3).
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