Dental Assistant Practice Exam

Which type of X-ray film is typically used during the bisecting angle technique?

1. Intraoral film

2. Panoramic film

3. Cephalometric film

4. Extraoral film

The correct answer is: Intraoral film

The bisecting angle technique is a radiographic procedure used in dentistry to capture images of the teeth and surrounding structures. The primary purpose of this technique is to obtain accurate images of the dental anatomy without distorting the angulation of the teeth. In this context, intraoral film is the most appropriate choice because it is specifically designed for capturing images inside the mouth. This type of film is small enough to fit within the oral cavity and allows for detailed imaging of individual teeth and supporting bone structures when using techniques such as bisecting angle. The other types of films, like panoramic, cephalometric, and extraoral films, serve different purposes. Panoramic film captures a broad view of the jaw and is useful for observing overall dental health, while cephalometric film is used primarily for orthodontic evaluations and planning by providing a lateral view of the skull. Extraoral film is also designed for broader imaging outside the oral cavity. None of these types are suitable for the specific needs of the bisecting angle technique, which requires a focused view of individual teeth using intraoral film.