Dental Assistant Practice Exam

Which technique involves exposing periapical (PA) images?

1. Bitewing technique

2. Paralleling intraoral technique

3. Bisecting angle technique

4. Occlusal technique

The correct answer is: Paralleling intraoral technique

The paralleling intraoral technique is specifically designed for capturing periapical images effectively. This technique involves positioning the film or digital sensor parallel to the long axis of the tooth being imaged. The x-ray beam is directed perpendicularly to both the film and the long axis of the tooth. This method ensures the highest quality images with minimal distortion, providing a clear view of the tooth's root and surrounding structures, which is essential for diagnosing conditions related to the root and periapical area. Bitewing images primarily focus on the crowns of the teeth in both the upper and lower jaws, primarily for detecting caries and interproximal problems, and do not provide comprehensive views of the roots. The bisecting angle technique, while it can capture periapical information, does not achieve the same degree of accuracy and quality as the paralleling technique due to potential distortion, as it requires angling the x-ray beam and adjusting the film/sensor position based on the angle between the tooth and the film. The occlusal technique is typically used to capture larger areas of the dental arch and is not specifically aimed at obtaining periapical views. Therefore, the paralleling intraoral technique stands out as the method most suited for exposing per