Radiation Basics
This type of radiation has enough energy to remove electrons from atoms
Ionizing Radiation
Traditional unit measuring ionization in air
Roentgen (R)
Positive terminal containing the tungsten target
Anode
Milliamperage controls this aspect of x-ray production
The quantity / number of x-rays
Process that removes low-energy "soft" x-rays from the beam
Filtration
Technique that produces the least dimensional distortion
Paralleling technique
Most x-ray damage in humans comes from ionization of this molecule
Water / H2O
SI unit equivalent to rad.
Gray (Gy)
Part that boils off electrons to form the beam
Cathode / filament
Kilovoltage controls this property of the x-ray beam
Penetrating power (energy)
Material most commonly used for added filtration
Aluminum
Technique used when anatomy prevents paralleling or holders are unavailable
Bisecting angle technique (BAT)
These unstable molecules formed by ionization can act as cellular poisons
Free radicals
Traditional unit used to compare biological effects of radiation
Rem
Material supporting the tungsten target and conducting heat away
Copper anode
Higher kVp generally produces this type of contrast
Low (long-scale) contrast
Limiting the size of the primary beam to the area of interest
Collimation
Image type best for detecting interproximal caries on posterior teeth
Bitewing radiographs
Radiation produced by the x-ray unit and emitted from the tungsten target is called this
Primary radiation
One Gray equals this many rads.
100 rads
Step-up transformer
Low kVp produces this type of contrast
High (short-scale) contrast
Minimum recommended distance for operator safety when no barrier exists
Six feet
Image used to evaluate areas around tooth roots and pathology
Periapical radiograph
Radiation produced when the primary beam interacts within the patient is called this
Secondary (scattered) radiation
In x-radiation, one Gray is approximately equal to this SI unit of biological effect
Sievert (Sv)
Device associated with the mA circuit that controls filament voltage
Step-down transformer
Dental x-ray units typically operate in this kilovoltage range
65-90 kV
Safest angle for the operator relative to the central ray
90-135 degrees
Image commonly used for patients with severe gag reflexes or to view both jaws at once
Panoramic radiograph