click below
click below
Normal Size Small Size show me how
RHS Vocabulary
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Abscess | A localized collection of pus in the body, often due to infection |
| Cyst | A sac-like pocket of tissue that can contain fluid, air, or other substances; often benign. |
| Granuloma | A small area of inflammation in tissue, typically arising from infection or foreign substances. |
| Acrylic ala-tragus line | An imaginary line drawn from the ala of the nose to the tragus of the ear, used as a reference in dental procedures. |
| Amalgam | A dental filling material made from a mixture of metals, primarily mercury, silver, and tin. |
| Composite | A tooth-colored dental filling material made from a resin and glass or ceramic particles. |
| Anode object-sensor distance | The distance from the anode (the positive electrode in an x-ray tube) to the object being imaged and the sensor capturing the image |
| Anode target-sensor distance | The distance from the anode target to the sensor used for capturing x-ray images. |
| Autoclave | A device that uses steam under pressure to sterilize instruments and materials. |
| Bilateral bite block | A device used in dental imaging that holds the patient's bite in a specific position on both sides of the mouth |
| Bite tab | An adhesive tab placed on a film or sensor that the patient bites down on to stabilize the x-ray during imaging. |
| Alveolar bone | The bone that contains the sockets of the teeth |
| Hyoid bone | A U-shaped bone in the neck that supports the tongue. |
| Mastoid bone | A bony prominence behind the ear that is part of the temporal bone of the skull. |
| Cortical bone | The dense outer surface of bone that provides strength. |
| Bone loss | The reduction of bone density or mass, often due to periodontal disease, aging, or other medical conditions |
| Buccal object rule | A radiographic technique that helps determine the location of an object in relation to the teeth by comparing two images |
| Cast gold | A dental restoration made from gold that is cast to fit a specific tooth. |
| Cataracts | A clouding of the lens of the eye, leading to decreased vision. |
| Cathode | The negative electrode in an x-ray tube, which produces electrons. |
| Cementum | A mineralized tissue covering the root of a tooth |
| Dentin | The hard tissue beneath enamel that makes up the bulk of a tooth. |
| Enamel | The hard, outer layer of a tooth that protects it. |
| Central ray / central x-ray beam | The primary beam of x-rays that is directed toward the object being imaged. |
| Cephalostat | A device used in dental radiography to hold the patient's head in a fixed position for cephalometric radiographs |
| Chronic | A term used to describe a condition that persists over a long period. |
| Clinical contact surface | Any surface that is likely to be touched during dental procedures and may become contaminated |
| Clinical indications | Specific signs or conditions that suggest the need for a particular treatment or procedure |
| Cone cut | A radiographic error that occurs when the x-ray beam is misaligned, resulting in an unexposed area on the radiograph. |
| Contrast | The difference in density between two areas on a radiographic image. |
| Density | The degree of blackening on a radiograph, influenced by the amount of radiation exposure. |
| Cortical | Referring to the dense outer layer of bone |
| Cancellous | Referring to the spongy, inner part of bone that contains marrow. |
| Cross-sectional curve of Spee | A concept in dentistry that describes the curvature of the occlusal surfaces of the teeth in the posterior region of the mouth. |
| Cross-section | A cross-section refers to a cut or slice through an object, revealing its internal structure. In dentistry, it often pertains to a view of a tooth, jaw, or other anatomical structures as if they have been sliced horizontally or vertically, allowing for ex |
| Dermatitis | An inflammation of the skin characterized by redness, swelling, and itching. It can be caused by various factors, including allergens, irritants, or underlying health conditions. |
| Erythema | A condition marked by redness of the skin due to increased blood flow, often resulting from inflammation, irritation, or infection. |
| Differentiated tissue disease | This term generally refers to diseases that affect specific types of tissues in the body, often exhibiting unique histological characteristics. It may relate to conditions that require specialized treatment based on the type of tissue involved. |
| Transmission | In the context of diseases, transmission refers to the process by which infectious agents are spread from one host to another, which can occur through various routes, including direct contact, airborne particles, or contaminated surfaces. |
| Disinfect | The process of eliminating or reducing harmful microorganisms on surfaces or objects to a safe level, typically through the use of chemical agents or heat. |
| Sanitize | The process of cleaning to remove dirt, debris, and microorganisms to a safe level, often involving both cleaning and disinfection processes, particularly in food service or healthcare settings. |
| Asepsis | The practice of preventing contamination by pathogens, often used in medical settings to protect patients and healthcare workers from infections. It involves techniques such as sterilization, disinfection, and maintaining a clean environment. |
| Divergent | Referring to rays or beams that spread apart from a common point. In dental radiography, divergent rays can affect the quality and clarity of the image. |
| Electrons | Negatively charged subatomic particles that orbit the nucleus of an atom. In dental imaging, electrons play a crucial role in the production of x-rays. |
| Neutrons | Neutral subatomic particles found in the nucleus of an atom. Neutrons, along with protons, contribute to the atomic mass of an element but do not carry an electric charge. |
| Photons | Discrete packets of energy that make up light and other forms of electromagnetic radiation, including x-rays. In dental radiography, photons are the particles that produce images on film or digital sensors |
| Elongation | A radiographic distortion that occurs when the object being imaged is not positioned correctly relative to the film or sensor, resulting in an image that appears longer than the actual object. |
| Foreshortened | A radiographic distortion that occurs when the angle of the x-ray beam is not perpendicular to the object being imaged, leading to an image that appears shorter than the actual object. |
| Epithelial tissue | A type of tissue that forms the protective outer layer of the skin and lines various cavities and organs in the body. In dentistry, it is important in the context of oral health and the structure of the oral mucosa. |
| Facial | Pertaining to the face. In dental terminology, it often refers to the surfaces of the teeth that are closest to the face |
| Buccal | Referring to the surface of the teeth that faces the cheeks. It is one of the surfaces commonly examined and treated in dentistry. |
| Focal spot size | The area on the anode of an x-ray tube from which x-rays are emitted. A smaller focal spot size produces sharper images, while a larger focal spot size may result in less detail. |
| Palatine | Relating to the palate, which is the roof of the mouth. The palatine bones are two bones that form part of the hard palate and contribute to the structure of the oral cavity. |
| Parallel | Referring to lines or surfaces that run alongside each other at the same distance apart and never intersect. In dental radiography, parallel positioning is essential for accurate imaging. |
| Perpendicular | Describing lines or surfaces that intersect at a right angle (90 degrees). In radiographic techniques, the x-ray beam is often directed perpendicular to the film or sensor for optimal image quality. |
| Pathology | The study of diseases and their effects on the body, including the causes, development, and consequences of various conditions, particularly in relation to tissue changes. |
| Penumbra | The partially shaded outer region of a shadow or image. In radiography, it refers to the blurry edges of an x-ray image, which can result from a larger focal spot size or improper positioning. |
| Porcelain | A type of ceramic material used in dentistry for making dental crowns, bridges, and veneers due to its aesthetic qualities and durability. |
| Process | A projection or outgrowth of tissue from a larger body, often referring to bony projections that provide attachment for muscles or ligaments. |
| Coronoid | Referring to the coronoid process, a triangular projection of bone on the mandible where the temporalis muscle attaches, aiding in jaw movement. |
| Zygomatic | Pertaining to the zygomatic bone, also known as the cheekbone, which contributes to the structure of the face and the orbit. |
| Hamular | Referring to the hamular process, a hook-like projection of bone on the maxilla that serves as a point of attachment for muscles. |
| Protuberance | A bony outgrowth or projection from a bone, which can serve as an attachment site for muscles or ligaments. |
| Pterygoid plate | Referring to the pterygoid processes of the sphenoid bone, which include the lateral and medial pterygoid plates that serve as attachment points for muscles involved in jaw movement. |
| Quadrant | In dentistry, the mouth is divided into four quadrants: upper right, upper left, lower right, and lower left, which helps in identifying tooth locations and treatment areas. |
| Radiation beam | A stream of energy emitted from a source, which in dental imaging, refers to the x-ray beam used to penetrate tissues and produce images on film or digital sensors. |
| Cosmic radiation | High-energy radiation from outer space that reaches the Earth's atmosphere. |
| Background radiation | Natural radiation present in the environment from cosmic sources, terrestrial sources, and radon |
| Gamma radiation | High-energy electromagnetic radiation emitted from radioactive materials. |
| Infrared radiation | Electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths longer than visible light, often experienced as heat |
| Ionizing radiation | Radiation with sufficient energy to remove tightly bound electrons from atoms, leading to ionization; includes x-rays and gamma rays |
| Isotopic radiation | Radiation emitted by unstable isotopes as they decay into more stable forms. |
| Microwave radiation | Electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths ranging from infrared to radio waves, commonly used in communication and heating. |
| Nuclear radiation | Radiation emitted during radioactive decay processes, including alpha, beta, and gamma radiation. |
| Thermal radiation | Electromagnetic radiation emitted due to the temperature of an object, commonly associated with heat. |
| Ultraviolet radiation | Electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths shorter than visible light but longer than x-rays, known for its effects on skin and health. |
| Resolution | In radiography, resolution refers to the ability to distinguish fine details in an image, which is influenced by factors such as film quality, exposure settings, and the focal spot size. |
| Right-angle method | A technique used in dental radiography where the x-ray beam is directed perpendicular to the film or sensor to achieve accurate images, particularly for capturing specific anatomical details. |
| Software | In the context of dental imaging, software refers to computer programs used for processing, analyzing, and enhancing digital radiographic images, aiding in diagnostics and treatment planning |
| Coronal Plane | Also known as the frontal plane, it divides the body into anterior (front) and posterior (back) sections. In dental imaging, this plane is useful for visualizing the relationship of teeth to surrounding structures. |
| Frontal Plane | Another term for the coronal plane, it separates the body into front and back portions. This plane is important in assessing facial and dental structures from a frontal perspective. |
| Horizontal Plane | Also known as the transverse plane, it divides the body into superior (upper) and inferior (lower) sections. This plane is commonly used in cross-sectional imaging techniques to analyze structures in slices. |
| Axial Plane | Synonymous with the horizontal or transverse plane, it refers to the plane that runs horizontally through the body, providing cross-sectional views, particularly in imaging techniques like CT scans. |
| Transverse Plane | Another name for the horizontal plane, it divides the body into top and bottom sections. It is significant in radiographic imaging to obtain views of structures in slices. |
| Sagittal Plane | A vertical plane that divides the body into left and right sections. In dental imaging, it can help visualize the midline structures of the face and jaws. |
| Longitudinal Plane | Refers to a plane that runs lengthwise through the body or an organ, typically producing images that demonstrate the full length of the structure. It can be either sagittal or coronal. |
| Median Plane | Also known as the midsagittal plane, it is a specific sagittal plane that divides the body into equal left and right halves. This plane is crucial for assessing bilateral symmetry in dental and facial structures. |
| Parasagittal Plane | A vertical plane that runs parallel to the sagittal plane but does not divide the body into equal halves. It can provide additional views of structures on either side of the median plane. |