Chapter 39 Digital Imaging, Dental Film, and Processing Radiographs

Automatic Processor

machine that automates all film processing steps

Beam Alignment Device

assists in the positioning of the position indicator device (PID)

Bitewing

image view that shows the crowns of both arches on one film

Calcium Tungstate

common type of phosphor

Cassette

contains extraoral film during exposure

Cephalometric Film

shows the bony and soft tissue area of the facial profile

Charged-coupled Device (CCD)

a solid-state image sensor used in intraoral imaging

Digital Image

electronic signals captured by sensors and displayed on computer monitors

Digitized

scanning of traditional film-based radiographs into a digital image

Duplicating Film

film designed for use in the film duplicating machines

Emulsion

a coating on the x-ray film that contains energy-sensitive crystals

Extraoral Film

film designed for use in cassettes

Film Speed

the sensitivity of the emulsion on the film to radiation

Intensifying Screen

part inside an extraoral cassette that converts x-ray energy into visible light, which in turn exposed screen film

Intraoral Film

film designed for placement in the patients mouth

Label Side

colored side of the film that faces the tongue

Latent Image

invisible image on the x-ray film after exposure but before processing

Occlusal

radiographic view that shows large areas of the maxilla or mandible

Panoramic Film

used in cassettes to provide a wide view of both the upper and lower jaw

Periapical

radiographic view that shows the crown, root tip, and surrounding structures

Phosphor Storage Plates (PSPs)

reusable film-sized plates coated with phosphor as the image receptor

Position Device/Positioning Instrument

intraoral device used to position and hold the film, sensor, and PSP

Processing

series of steps that change exposed film to a radiograph. Steps include developing, rinsing, fixing, washing, and drying

Radiograph

image produced on photosensitive film by exposing the film to radiation and then processing it

Teledentistry

process of using electronic transfer of images and other information for consultation and/or insurance purposes in dentistry

Tubeside

solid white side of the film packet that faces the x-ray tube