Dental Radiography Equipment

Intraoral X-Ray Film

Function

To use to project the patient’s teeth through x-ray onto the film

Characteristics

Outside covering of film—Soft plastic or paper (both waterproof)

Sheet of lead foil to stop the radiation from extending beyond the film

Black paper to protect the film from light penetration

Film—Single or double film

Film speed indicated on each packet—Set by American National Standards Institute (ANSI)

Film speed A through F—D, E, F used intraorally

Faster speed of the film reduces the amount of radiation exposure; F speed is faster than D speed.

Film speed determines amount of radiation needed to produce a quality radiograph—Settings are on x-ray unit.

Practice Note

Intraoral x-ray film is used in all phases of dentistry.

Follow standard precautions and cross-contamination protocol when exposing and processing film for developing. Outer packet and black paper may be disposed of in the garbage. Correct disposal of lead foil must be checked within your state. In some states, lead foil is considered a hazardous waste and must be collected and disposed of properly. For proper recycling protocol, refer to Department of Environmental Health regulations in the state where you practice.

Package of X-Ray Film

Function

To use to project the patient’s teeth through x-ray onto the film

Characteristics

Box labeled:

Type of film

Film speed

Number of films in individual film packet

Number of film packets in the box

Expiration date of film

Film packets—Single or double film

Practice Notes

Each film has an identification dot (raised bump). Concave on one side and convex on the other. Convex/bump faces toward the teeth when placing the x-ray.

Film storage is important to the integrity of the film. Refer to package instructions for storage recommendations.

Follow standard precautions and cross-contamination protocol when processing film for developing. Outer packet and black paper may be disposed of in the garbage. Correct disposal of lead foil must be checked within your state. In some states, lead foil is considered a hazardous waste and must be collected and disposed of properly. For proper recycling protocol, refer to Department of Environmental Health regulations in the state where you practice.

X-Ray Film—Various Sizes

Extraoral X-Rays—Cephalometric and Panoramic

Functions

To use to project the patient’s teeth through x-ray onto the film

To use for extraoral projections

Characteristics

Film is placed in a cassette outside the mouth.

Cephalometric radiograph—Shows bony and soft-tissue areas of the facial profile

Panoramic radiograph—Shows a panoramic view of maxillary and mandibular teeth on one x-ray

Practice Notes

Different styles of extraoral x-ray machines are available (see pages 682–683).

Cephalometric and panoramic digital x-rays

Cephalometric and panoramic x-rays are used in all phases of dentistry. Panoramic x-rays are used frequently in orthodontics.

Follow standard precautions and cross-contamination protocol when exposing and processing film for developing.

Bite-Wing X-Ray Tabs

Function

To use to take a bite-wing x-ray projection

Characteristics

Stick-on or slip-on tab

Tab or wing is placed on the occlusal, and patient bites on the tab to secure the x-ray.

Practice Notes

Slip-on tabs are available in different sizes to accommodate different-sized film.

Size #2 film is used for adult bite-wing x-ray.

Bite-wing x-rays are mainly used for diagnosing caries on proximal surfaces (mesial and distal) of the posterior teeth.

Four bite-wings are usually taken on adult dentition—One premolar and one molar projection on each side of the mouth.

Follow standard precautions and cross-contamination protocol when exposing and processing film. Outer packet, black paper, and Bite-Wing Tabs may be disposed of in the garbage. Correct disposal of lead foil must be checked within your state. In some states, lead foil is considered a hazardous waste and must be collected and disposed of properly. For proper recycling protocol, refer to Department of Environmental Health regulations in the state where you practice.

Film Holder—Periapical X-Ray (EeZee-Grip)

Function

To position and hold an x-ray in patient’s mouth for periapical x-ray

Characteristics

Double ended:

One end holds film for posterior teeth projection, as shown.

Opposite end holds film for anterior teeth projection.

Practice Notes

Size #2 film used for posterior periapical x-ray

Size #1 or #2 used for anterior periapical x-ray

Periapical x-rays used for viewing the coronal part of the tooth, root, apex, and surrounding bone and tissue

EeZee-Grip formerly called Snap-a-ray

EeZee-Grip Film Holder must be cleaned, bagged individually, and then sterilized. A chemical/steam indicator device should be included in the wrapping.

Holder for Digital X-Ray Sensor (EeZee-Grip)

Function

To position and hold a digital x-ray sensor in patient’s mouth for periapical x-rays

Characteristics

Double ended:

Holds film for anterior teeth projection

Holds film for posterior teeth projection

Designed for snug fit to prevent slipping

Practice Notes

Holder allows room for the wire attached to the sensor

May be used with wireless digital sensor

Follow standard precautions and cross-contamination protocol when taking digital x-rays. Holder must be cleaned, bagged individually, and then sterilized. A chemical/steam indicator device should be included in the wrapping.

Film Holders—Periapical X-Ray

Functions

To position and hold an x-ray in patient’s mouth for periapical x-ray

To allow patient to bite on holder to keep x-ray in place while positioning the position indicating device (PID) and exposing the film

Characteristics

Holds film for anterior teeth projection—Plastic that can be sterilized

Holds film for posterior teeth projection—Plastic that can be sterilized

Holds film for anterior and posterior projection—Disposable styrofoam

Slot holds film in place

Practice Note

Periapical x-rays are used for viewing the coronal part of the tooth, root, apex, and surrounding bone and tissue.

Plastic Film Holders must be cleaned, bagged individually, and then sterilized. A chemical/steam indicator device should be included in the wrapping. Disposable styrofoam holder may be disposed of in garbage.