Radiology Practice Test

Radiographs that show only the crowns of the teeth are?

1. 0

2. F

3. Orthodontics

4. Interproximal/BWX

The correct answer is: Interproximal/BWX

Radiographs that are specifically designed to show the crowns of the teeth are known as interproximal radiographs or bite-wing radiographs (BWX). These images are taken to visualize the crowns of the posterior teeth and the interproximal areas between them. This diagnostic tool is crucial for detecting caries, assessing the bone level, and identifying other dental issues in the areas that are often difficult to see during a clinical examination. The other options, although they might relate to dental imaging in some capacity, do not correspond specifically to radiographs that primarily highlight the crowns of the teeth. For example, the designation "0" and "F" do not refer to standard radiographic techniques or types, and orthodontics typically involves a different set of imaging modalities focused more on jaw relationship and tooth positioning throughout treatment planning rather than just capturing the crowns of the teeth. Thus, interproximal or bite-wing radiographs are the appropriate answer for this question.