Glossary of Vocabulary Terms

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Alloys

Materials made from the combination of two or more elements.

Aluminum Discs

Filter out non-penetrating x-rays.

Alveolar Process

The part of the jaw that holds the teeth.

Anode

Positive electrode converting electrons into x-ray photons.

Atom

The basic unit of matter.

Atomic Weight

Protons + neutrons.

Autotransformer

Voltage compensator for minor fluctuations.

Beam Alignment Devices

Devices used to direct the radiographic beam.

Beta Particle

A fast-moving electron given off as nuclear radiation.

Binding Energy

The energy needed to break up a nucleus into its constituent nucleons.

Bitewing Radiographs

Focus on the crowns of the posterior teeth and adjacent interproximal areas.

Bloodborne Pathogens Standard

OSHA standard aimed at protecting workers from risks associated with bloodborne pathogens.

Cathode

Negative electrode supplying electrons.

Cathode Rays

Electrons that originate in the X-ray tube.

Cephalometric Radiographs

Capture a lateral view of the skull; used in orthodontics.

Characterization Radiation

Caused by a high-speed electron displacing an inner-shell electron from a tungsten atom.

Coherent Scatter

Emission of a photon in a different direction with the same energy after interaction with an atom.

Collimation

The process by which the size and shape of a beam of radiations are controlled.

Compton Scatter

Ionization resulting in lower-energy x-rays.

Cone-Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT)

A three-dimensional imaging technique.

Control Panel of X-ray

Controls time, kilovoltage, and milliamperage.

Copper Stem

Dissipates heat away from the tungsten target.

Covalent Bonds

How molecules are formed.

Critical Instruments

Instruments that penetrate soft tissue or bone, such as forceps or scalers.

Direct Cross-Contamination

The direct transfer of pathogens from one person to another.

Electromagnetic Radiation

A form of energy exhibiting wavelike behavior.

Electrons

Negatively charged particles.

Electrostatic Force

The force between electrically charged objects.

Extension Arm

Flexible arm attached to the x-ray tubehead.

Frequency

Number of complete wavelengths that pass a point in a given time.

Full Mouth Series (FMX)

A comprehensive set of radiographs providing a complete overview of a patient’s dentition.

Full-Mouth Survey

Similar to a full mouth series but more extensive.

General Radiation

Produced when an electron interacts with a tungsten atom.

Hand Hygiene

Washing hands with plain or antiseptic soap and water, or using a waterless antiseptic hand sanitizer.

Hazard Communication Standard

OSHA standard dealing with identification and proper handling of hazardous substances in the workplace.

High-Level Disinfection

Disinfection process that inactivates all vegetative microorganisms, mycobacteria, lipophilic and hydrophilic viruses, fungal spores, and some bacterial spores.

Indirect Cross-Contamination

Transfer of pathogens from an object to a person.

Informed Consent

Legal and ethical requirement prior to many medical procedures, including radiation exposure.

Insulating Oil

Surrounds x-ray tube and transformers; prevents overheating.

Ion

An electron that becomes unbalanced.

Ion Pair

When an electron is removed from an atom in the ionization process.

Ionization Energy

The amount of energy required to remove an electron from an atom.

Ionizing Radiation

Enough energy to dislodge electrons from atoms; can cause cancer.

Kilovolts (kV)

Electrical force.

Lead Collimator

Restricts the size of the x-ray beam.

Leaded Glass Housing

Prevents x-rays from escaping in all directions.

Mandible

The lower jaw.

Mass Number

The sum of the number of neutrons and protons in an atomic nucleus.

Maxilla

The upper jaw.

Medical Handwashing Steps

The specific steps to follow for effective medical handwashing.

Metal Housing of X-ray

Metal body containing the x-ray tube, filled with insulating oil.

Milliamperage

Measurement unit for electrical current.

Molecule

A group of atoms bonded together.

Molybdenum Cup

Focuses electrons into a narrow beam.

Neutral Atom

Atom with the same number of protons and electrons.

Neutron

Particle with no charge.

Occlusal Radiographs

Capture larger areas of the maxilla or mandible.

Orbits or Shells

Pathways where electrons travel around the nucleus.

Panoramic Radiographs

Provide a broad view of the entire oral cavity.

Particulate Radiation

Tiny particles of matter that travel in straight lines at high speeds.

Periapical Radiographs

Radiographs capturing the entire tooth — from the crown to the root tip — and the surrounding periapical region.

Periodontal Ligament

Connective tissue that surrounds the tooth and connects it to the jawbone.

Photoelectric Effect

Emission of electrons when light shines on a material.

Photon

A particle of electromagnetic radiation with no mass.

Position Indicating Device (PID)

Aims and shapes the x-ray beam.

Primary Radiation

X-ray beam after it leaves the x-ray tube.

Protons

Positively charged particles.

Radiation

The transfer of energy by electromagnetic waves.

Radioactivity

The spontaneous emission of radiation from some substances.

Radiographic Filtration

Use of materials like aluminum to filter out low-energy x-rays from the beam.

Scatter Radiation

Deflected x-rays forming a type of secondary radiation.

Secondary Radiation

Created when the primary beam interacts with matter.

Semi-Critical Instruments

Instruments that touch mucous membranes but do not penetrate soft tissue or bone, such as dental mirrors.

Sterilization

Complete elimination or destruction of all forms of microbial life.

Step-down Transformer

Decreases voltage; increases current.

Step-up Transformer

Increases voltage.

Transformer

Increases or decreases the voltage of alternating current.

Tubehead Seal

Permits the exit of X-rays from the tubehead.

Tungsten Filament

Produces electrons when heated.

Tungsten Target

A focal spot in the anode.

Velocity

Speed of the wave.

Wavelength

Distance between crests of waves.