DANB Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) Practice Exam

What type of film captures the entire tooth and its structure around the root apex?

1. BW

2. Occlusal

3. Periapical

4. Panorex

The correct answer is: Periapical

The correct choice is the film that captures the entire tooth and its structure around the root apex, which is the periapical film. This type of radiographic film is specifically designed to show the entire tooth, including the crown, root, and surrounding bone structure. It provides essential information about dental conditions affecting the tissues surrounding the tooth, such as infections, cysts, or other anomalies occurring at the root apex. Periapical radiography is particularly useful in endodontics for visualizing the root canals and assessing conditions that may require treatment. By capturing a comprehensive view of the tooth and its supporting structures, periapical films play a critical role in diagnosing and planning treatment for dental issues. In contrast, the other types of films either do not provide a complete view of the tooth structure or focus on different areas. For instance, bitewing films primarily show the crowns of the upper and lower teeth and are ideal for detecting interproximal caries, but they do not extend to the root structures. Occlusal films are larger and are typically used to visualize the occlusal surfaces and can provide a broader view of the jaw, but they do not specifically capture the details around the root apex. Panoramic films give a wide-field