Modern Dental Assisting Ch. 42 Extraoral Imaging ;key terms

Digital panoramic units

A filmless method of recording a panoramic image and displaying it by using an electronic sensor and a computer to process and store the image.

Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT)

A three-dimensional digital imaging method that uses a cone-shaped beam of radiation that rotates around the patient.

Extraoral imaging

An image of the teeth and bones made by placing the film of cassette against the face or the head and projecting the x-rays from the opposite side.

Three-dimensional digital imaging

An image that demonstrates the anatomy in three dimensions.

Exposure controls

Feature that allows the operator to adjust the milliamperage and the kilovoltage settings.

Midsagittal plane

Imaginary line that divides the patients face into right and left sides.

Frankfort plane

Imaginary plane that passes through the top of the ear canal and the bottom of the eye socket.

Focal trough

Imaginary three-dimensional horseshoe-shaped zone used to focus panoramic radiographs.

Temoromandibular joint

Joint on each side of the head that allows movement of the mandible.

Computed tomography (CT)

Radiographic technique that produces images or "slices" of one layer or section of the specific areas. Also referred to as conputed axial tomography (CAT scan)

Cephalostat

Special device that allows the operator to easily position both film and patient.

Field of view

The area that can be shown when performing imaging procedures.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

Use of magnetic resonance to create images of the body.

Extraoral images

images taken when large areas of the skull or jaw must be examined.