Changes

Intra-oral or dental films should be used for taking dental radiographs. '''Intraoral films''' do not have intensify screens and thus need a '''high exposure'''. '''Dental film''' is available in '''different speeds'''. The sensitivity of the film determines the required exposure time – faster speed- higher sensitivity, requires less radiation to expose the film. Film sensitivity is increased by using larger silver halide crystals in the emulsion. As a result, E and F speed films produce images with a slightly lower image quality. The decreased image quality only becomes significant when viewed using magnification. The most commonly used speeds in veterinary dentistry are speed D (ultra) and speed E (ekta). Speed D is the equivalent of other non-screen film but speed E is rated at twice the speed of D, requiring half the exposure, with a small loss of quality.

Intra-oral or dental films should be used for taking dental radiographs. '''Intraoral films''' do not have intensify screens and thus need a '''high exposure'''. '''Dental film''' is available in '''different speeds'''. The sensitivity of the film determines the required exposure time – faster speed- higher sensitivity, requires less radiation to expose the film. Film sensitivity is increased by using larger silver halide crystals in the emulsion. As a result, E and F speed films produce images with a slightly lower image quality. The decreased image quality only becomes significant when viewed using magnification. The most commonly used speeds in veterinary dentistry are speed D (ultra) and speed E (ekta). Speed D is the equivalent of other non-screen film but speed E is rated at twice the speed of D, requiring half the exposure, with a small loss of quality.

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Films are available in different sizes but the 3 most commonly used in dentistry are: occlusal film (5cm x 7cm) or size 4, adult periapical (3cm x 4cm) or size 2, and child periapical (2cm x 3.5cm) or size 1.

Films are available in different sizes but the 3 most commonly used in dentistry are:  

*Occlusal film (5cm x 7cm) or size 4

*Adult periapical (3cm x 4cm) or size 2, and  

*Child periapical (2cm x 3.5cm) or size 1

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Each film packet has individual wrapping to protect the film from light and moisture. The film inside the packet is wrapped in a black paper envelope. A lead foil covers the side of the film positioned away from the xray beam to protect against secondary radiation.

Each film packet has individual wrapping to protect the film from light and moisture. The film inside the packet is wrapped in a black paper envelope. A lead foil covers the side of the film positioned away from the xray beam to protect against secondary radiation.

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Self contained films are also available in size 2 (periapical). The envelope contains the film with a separate compartment with developer and fixer. Films are relatively expensive but good when radiographs are only taken occasionally. The films unfortunately do not keep unless they are fixed for longer as they otherwise discolour with age.

Self contained films are also available in size 2 (periapical). The envelope contains the film with a separate compartment for developer and fixer. Films are relatively expensive but good when radiographs are only taken occasionally. The films unfortunately do not keep unless they are fixed for longer as otherwise they discolour with age.

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Each film has a '''raised dot''' in one corner. The dot helps with orientation when viewing and mounting dental radiographs if the following procedure is adhered to. Firstly, the dot should face the incident beam. Secondly, the film should be placed in the [[Oral Cavity Overview - Anatomy & Physiology|mouth]] so that the dot is always facing a specific direction. We advise that dot is positioned so that it is always facing forward in the mouth.<br>

Each film has a '''raised dot''' in one corner. The dot helps with orientation when viewing and mounting dental radiographs if the following procedure is adhered to. Firstly, the dot should face the incident beam. Secondly, the film should be placed in the [[Oral Cavity Overview - Anatomy & Physiology|mouth]] so that the dot is always facing a specific direction. We advise that dot is positioned so that it is always facing forward in the mouth.<br>