Normal dental radiographic anatomy

What are the characteristics of a dental radiograph?

A radiographic image is formed by a controlled burst of X-ray radiation which penetrates oral structures at different levels, depending on varying anatomical densities, before striking the film or sensor.
Teeth appear lighter because less radiation penetrates them to reach the film..

What is a basic radiography in dentistry?

Dental X-rays (radiographs) are internal images of your teeth and jaws.
Dentists use X-rays to examine structures they can't see during a routine checkup, like your jawbone, nerves, sinuses and teeth roots..

What is the normal radiographic appearance of a tooth?

This translates into light or radiopaque areas on the radiograph.
As a result, the radiographic appearance of tooth enamel is light.
The dentin is less dense and less radiopaque than the enamel.
The dental pulp appears dark or radiolucent..

Why the knowledge of normal anatomical landmarks is relevant to dental radiography?

A number of anatomic landmarks are visible in dental radiographs.
Knowledge of the location and normal appearances of these landmarks is important in identification and orientation of radiographs.
This knowledge is valuable to the dental officer in determining whether the area is normal or abnormal..

Here is a simple breakdown to help you read those dental X-rays

1. The more thick and dense the material is, the BRIGHTER WHITE it will show on the x-ray
2. Holes and voids, however, because they are NOT thick or dense at all, show up as BLACK on the x-rays