Exam 3: Chapter 18 Radiography- Key Terms

Front 1

Artifacts

Back 1

Images other than anatomy or pathology that do not contribute to a diagnosis of the patient’s condition.

Front 2

Conecut Error

Back 2

A term used to describe a technique error in which the central beam is not directed toward the center of the image receptor, resulting in a clank area in the part of the radiograph that was not reached by the radiation.

Front 3

Dead Pixel

Back 3

Term given to a damaged pixel that does not respond to x-radiation exposure. A dead pixel will not record radiographic information.

Front 4

Distaomesial Overlap

Back 4

When projection angle of the x-ray beam is directed from distal to mesial, resulting in overlapping error.

Front 5

Double Exposure

Back 5

Using the same image receptor to expose two radiographs. Results in an overexposed, double-image error.

Front 6

Electronic Noise

Back 6

The digital equivalent to film fog. An electrical disturbance that clutters the digital image reducing image clarity and contrast.

Front 7

Elongation

Back 7

See Elongated Image: Elongated Image: refers to a distortion of the radiographic image in which the tooth structures appear longer than the anatomical size. Often caused by insufficient vertical angulation of the central beam.

Front 8

Film Fog

Back 8

An overall darkening of the radiograph caused by old contaminated processing solutions, exposure to chemical fumes, faulty safelight, or scatter radiation.

Front 9

Foreshortening

Back 9

See Foreshortening Image: Foreshortening Image: Distortion of the radiographic image in which the tooth structures appear shorter than their actual anatomical size. Most often caused by excessive vertical angulation of the central beam.

Front 10

Herringbone Error

Back 10

Image produced on a radiograph when the film packet is placed in the mouth backwards. The embossed pattern in the lead foil produces this image when the x-ray beam passes through the reversed film packet.

Front 11

Mesiodistal Overlap

Back 11

When the projection angle of the x-ray beam is directed from mesial to distal resulting in overlapping error.

Front 12

Overdevelopment

Back 12

Leaving the film in the developer solution too long or using developer that is too warm. Overdevelopment results in a dark image.

Front 13

Overexposure

Back 13

Exposing the image receptor too long or subjecting the image receptor to an inappropriately increased kVp or mA setting. Overexposure results in a dark image.

Front 14

Overlapping

Back 14

Term used to refer to a distortion of the tooth image in which the structures of one tooth are superimposed over the structures of the adjacent tooth. Caused by incorrect horizontal angulation of the central beam and/or incorrect positioning of the image receptor in relationship to the teeth of interest.

Front 15

Static Electricity

Back 15

A white-light spark that creates a radiolucent artifact on the film.

Front 16

Underdevelopment

Back 16

Not leaving the film in the developer solution long enough or using developer that is too cool or an old, weak solution. Underdevelopment results in a light image.

Front 17

Underexposure

Back 17

Not exposing the image receptor long enough or using an inappropriately decreased kVp or mA setting. Underexposure results in a light image.