DENTAL X- RAY FILM AND ITS PARTS

OBJECTIVES OF THE LECTURE

• Introduction
• Types of radiographs.
• Film structure and package
• Film types and uses
• Dental radiography can be performed using either traditional film or
digital devices.
• Intraoral dental X-ray machines are used for those films placed inside
the mouth,
• while extraoral machines are used for films placed outside the mouth.
• Dental radiographers can use a film holder to hold an intraoral film
inside the mouth. They also can use a beam alignment device to help
position the intraoral X-ray machine's cone, also called the position-
indicating device (PID), in relation to the tooth and film. (refer to
figure of x-ray machine parts in the first lecture)
Film holder
• IN traditional film, X-rays interact with a layer on the film called the film emulsion,
which contains silver halide crystals that absorb the radiation. The crystals produce
a latent image of a tooth and its surrounding structures, which becomes a visible
image once the film is chemically processed.

• digital radiography involves the use of an intraoral sensor instead of a film to

capture an image of a tooth. Once X-rays hit the sensor, the electronic charge
produced on the sensor is converted into digital form, and the image then is visible
on a computer.

• When performing digital radiography, dental radiographers can still use a traditional
intraoral dental X-ray machine.
 INTRAORAL FILM

• Three types of intraoral film exist--periapical, bite-wing and

occlusal.
1) The periapical film is used to view an entire tooth--
including the tooth's root and crown--as well as the bone
that supports the tooth.
2) The bite-wing film is used to view the crowns of both the
upper and lower teeth on one film. This type of film is
especially important for detecting cavities or other
conditions between teeth.
3) An occlusal film is used to examine large areas of the
upper or lower jaw.
EXTRAORAL FILM

• A panoramic film, which is a type of extraoral film,

provides a wide view of the upper and lower jaws on one
film.
• A cephalometric film, another type of extraoral film, is used
to examine the bony and soft tissues of the face.
Periapical radiograph Occlusal film Bite wings radiograph

Panoramic radiograph Cephalometric radiograph

 FILM PARTS

(1)Moisture-resistant
outer wrap. 1

(2) Black paper. 2

(3) Film. 3
(4) Lead foil backing.
4
 FILM PARTS

x-ray film is sensitized to x-rays, either before or after

exposure.
composed of : thin sheet of material (e.g., gelatin, cellulose
acetate) specially treated for use in photography or
radiography
• A small raised identification dot is
located in one corner of the film.
The raised dot is used to determine
film orientation and is used to
distinguish between radiographs
of the patient’s right and left sides
• Intraoral film packets showing the
front or tube side (white, unprinted
side of the film packet) (top) and
the back side (color-coded side) of
the film packet
• Black paper wrapping surrounds the film inside the packet
to protect it from light.
• Lead foil - A sheet of lead foil is located in the back of the
film packet, behind the film. The purpose of the lead foil
backing is to absorb scattered radiation. Scattered x-rays
strike the film emulsion from the back side of the film
(the side away from the tube), fogging or reducing the
clarity of the image.
• Moisture-resistant outer wrapping consisting of paper or soft vinyl plastic
holds the packet contents and protects the film from light and moisture.

• Each film packet has two sides, a front side or tube side that faces the tube
(radiation source) and a back side that faces away from the source of
radiation.
• Cross-sectional view
of radiographic film.
The bulk of the film
is the base. The
emulsion contains
the diagnostic
information.
• The two most important ingredients of a photographic emulsion
are gelatin and silver halide.  With most X-ray film the emulsion is coated
on both sides of the film but its thickness varies with the nature and type of
the film, but is usually no thicker than 10 mm. 
• Silver halide : is the light sensitive material in the
emulsion. 
• In X-ray film, sensitivity is increased by having a
mixture of between 1% and 10% silver iodide and 90
to 99% silver bromide. 
• In photographic emulsion the silver halide is
suspended in the gelatin as small crystals
(called grains). 
 FILM SIZE

• Size No. 0- The #0 film is especially designed for small

children and is often called pedo (from the Greek word
paidos, child) or pedodontic film.

• Size No. 1- The #1 film may also be used for children.

In adults, the use of the narrow #1 film is normally limited to exposing
radiographs of the anterior teeth. Although it images only two or three teeth,
this film is ideal for areas where the oral cavity is narrow.
• Size No. 2- The wider #2 film is generally referred to as the
standard film, or PA for periapical film. This film size is
used in probably 75 percent of all intraoral radiography.
• The #2 film is commonly used on both larger children,
especially those with a mixed dentition, and adults.
• Size No. 3- The extra-long #3 film is called a long
bitewing film. These films usually come with a
pre attached bite tab.
• Size No. 4- The #4 film is the largest of the
intraoral films.
Size #4 films are generally referred to as
occlusal films
FILM STORAGE AND PROTECTION

• All radiographic film is extremely sensitive to radiation,

light, heat, humidity, chemical fumes, and physical
pressure.
• Additionally, film is sensitive to aging, having a shelf life
determined by the manufacturer.
• Precautions for safely storing and protecting films from
these conditions must be followed.
THANK YOU