![]() X-rays are a form of energy that can penetrate matter and have unique properties ( Table 15-1 ). As such, they are unstable structures capable of interacting with (and damaging) other atoms, tissue, or chemicals. (A photon is a minute bundle of pure energy that has no weight or mass.) The atoms that lose electrons become positive ions. When x-rays strike a patient’s tissue, ionization results.ĭuring ionization, electrons are removed from electrically stable atoms by collisions with photons. Ionization is the harmful effect of x-rays in humans that results in disruption of cellular structure and causes permanent damage to living cells and tissue. A molecule is the smallest particle of a substance that retains the property of the original substance. In the neutral or stable atom, the number of orbiting electrons (−) equals the number of protons (+) in the nucleus hence the atom is electrically neutral.Ītoms in turn join to form molecules. The electrons remain stable in their orbit unless disturbed or removed.įigure 15-1 Diagrammatic representation of an oxygen atom. The atom has a nucleus as its center, like the sun, and the electrons revolve around it like planets ( Figure 15-1). The arrangement within the atom is similar to that of the solar system. The nucleus of an atom is composed of positively charged subatomic particles called protons and subatomic particles called neutrons that have no charge. Atoms are extremely minute and are composed of (1) an inner core, or nucleus, which possesses a positive electrical charge and (2) a number of negatively charged particles called electrons that orbit around the nucleus. The basic anatomic structure of matter is important because it relates directly to the ways in which x-rays are produced, emitted (given off) from the machine, and absorbed by the patient’s and the operator’s body tissue.Īll matter is made of atoms. X-rays can be defined as weightless bundles of energy (photons) without an electrical charge that travel in waves at the speed of light. Obtain information during a dental procedure, such as a broken root tip during an oral surgical procedureĪn understanding of the basic principles of radiation physics and how x-rays are produced will help you to practice safely and produce high-quality images.Document the condition of a patient at a specific point in time.Locate abnormalities in surrounding hard and soft tissues.Detect dental decay in the early stages.This chapter discusses radiation hazards, production of x-rays, and methods used to protect the patient and the operator from the harmful effects of exposure to radiation. The benefits of using x-rays in dentistry certainly outweigh the risks when proper safety procedures are followed ( Box 15-1). Any exposure to radiation, no matter how small, has the potential to cause harm to the operator and the patient. Radiation, which is used to produce dental images, has the ability to cause damage to all types of living tissue. Regardless of the technique used, a quality image is necessary to identify and diagnose conditions that otherwise may go undetected.ĭental images, commonly known as x-rays, are part of the patient’s permanent dental record. These images may be produced on conventional x-ray film or by digital technology. Key Termsĭental images are essential in the practice of dentistry. Describe the types of intraoral film by size and speed. ![]() ![]() 1 Pronounce, define, and spell the Key Terms.Ĥ Explain the differences between somatic and genetic effects of x-rays.ĥ Discuss the methods used to protect patients from radiation.ħ Describe how filters and collimators influence the amount of radiation the patient receives.Ĩ Describe how errors in film placement and processing can influence the amount of radiation the patient receives.ĩ Describe how the use of film-holding devices limits the amount of exposure the patient receives.ġ0 Describe how errors in film placement and processing can influence the amount of radiation received by the patient.ġ1 Identify the parts of an x-ray machine.ġ3 Explain the factors that affect the density and contrast of a dental radiograph.ġ4 Identify the types of intraoral radiographs, and explain the uses for each.
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