Radiology Practice Test

What type of x-ray film is not considered intraoral?

1. Extraoral

2. Intraoral

3. Orthopantomogram

4. Panoramic

The correct answer is: Extraoral

The correct answer identifies a type of x-ray film that is not used within the oral cavity for diagnostic purposes. Extraoral films are taken outside of the mouth and are typically used to capture broader areas, such as the jaw or skull, rather than focusing directly on individual teeth or oral structures. These films serve specific functions such as assessing the overall jaw alignment or detecting broader pathology that may not be visible with intraoral films. Orthopantomogram and panoramic films are forms of extraoral imaging, but they specifically refer to panoramic x-rays that provide a wide view of the dental structures, which further emphasizes that they are not classified as intraoral. Intraoral films, on the other hand, are specifically designed to be placed inside the mouth to capture detailed images of individual teeth, the bone surrounding them, and the supporting structures. Thus, while extraoral films serve a valuable role in dental imaging, they do not fall into the category of intraoral films, making the distinction important for understanding different radiographic techniques.