1. The Dental X-ray Machine: Components and Functions
Chapter 3
The Dental X-ray Machine: Components and Functions

2. Objectives Define the key words.
Identify the three major components of a dental x- ray machine.
Identify and explain the function of the five controls on the control panel.
State the three conditions necessary for the production of x-rays.
Draw and label a dental x-ray tube.

3. Objectives
Identify the parts of the cathode and explain its function in the production of x-rays.
Identify the parts of an anode and explain its function in the production of x-rays.

4. Objectives
Trace the production of x-rays from the time the exposure button is activated until x-rays are released from the tube.
Demonstrate, in sequence, the steps in operating the dental x-ray machine.

5. Introduction
The role of exposing dental radiographs is an important one for the dental assistant and dental hygienist, making it essential that these professionals possess an understanding of how the x-ray machine works to produce ionizing radiation.

6. Introduction
To operate dental x-ray equipment safely and competently, the radiographer needs to develop a base knowledge of the components of the dental x- ray machine and possess an understanding of how these components work together to produce ionizing radiation.

7. Evolution of the Dental X-ray Machine
1913: Coolidge hot cathode vacuum tube, invented by Dr. W. D. Coolidge
Mid-1950s: Variable kilovoltage machines were introduced
1966: Recessed PID was introduced

8. Evolution of the Dental X-ray Machine
1974: Federal government began regulating the manufacture and installation of all dental x-ray machines
Today: Dental x-ray machines are safe, compact, easy to position, and simple to operate

9. Figure Comparison of conventional and recessed tube position within the tube head. (A) Conventional position with tube in front of tube head. Note how quickly the x-ray beam pattern flares out. (B) With a recessed tube a relatively more parallel x-ray beam is produced. This will produce a sharper radiographic image.

10. Figure 3-2 Typical wall-mounted dental x-ray machine
Figure Typical wall-mounted dental x-ray machine. (Image courtesy of Progeny, A Midmark Company)

11. Dental X-ray Machine Components
Typical dental x-ray machine parts:
Control panel with regulating devices
Extension arm or bracket enabling tube head to be positioned
Tube head containing x-ray tube from which x-rays are generated

12. Dental X-ray Machine Components
Control panel: may be integrated with the extension arm and tube head for ease of access during exposures or it may be remote from the unit.
Increasingly, dental x-ray machines, come with pre- set controls by the manufacturer.

13. Figure 3-3 Control panel integrated with tube head support
Figure Control panel integrated with tube head support. (Image courtesy of Gendex Dental Corporation)

14. Figure 3-4 Control panel mounted in protected area.

15. Figure Control panel of a dental x-ray machine that allows for manual adjustment of exposure variables. (1) Exposure button holder, (2) main ON/OFF switch, (3) mA control, (4) x-ray tube selector (this master control accommodates three remote tube heads), (5) power ON light, (6) x-ray emission indicator light, (7) timer control, (8) kVp meter, (9) kVp control. This control panel allows the operator to choose settings of 50 kVp to 90 kVp at 15 mA, and 50 kVp to 100 kVp at 10 mA.

16. Dental X-ray Machine Components
Five major controls:
Line switch
Milliampere (mA) selector
Kilovolt peak (kVp) selector
Timer
Exposure button
Dental x-ray machines are required to be equipped with a “dead-man” exposure switch.

17. Figure 3-6 Operator setting the exposure time
Figure Operator setting the exposure time. The display indicates 16 impulses. Note the preset milliamperage and kilovoltage values.

18. Figure 3-7 Exposure button on the handle of the timer cord
Figure Exposure button on the handle of the timer cord. Operator is exposing a panoramic radiograph from behind a lead-lined glass window.

19. Electricity Direct current (DC) flows continuously in one direction
Alternating current (AC) changes its direction of flow 60 times per second
Electrical circuit is the path that electricity flows.

20. Electricity
Transformer is an electromagnetic device for changing the current coming into the dental x-ray machine (step up and step down)
Autotransformer: a voltage compensator that corrects minor fluctuations in the current flowing through the wires.
Amperage measures number of electrons that move through a conductor

21. Electricity
Voltage or volt (V) electrical pressure between two electrical charges
Kilovolt (kV) 1,000 V
Polychromatic beam x-rays of many different energies
Kilovolt peak (kVp) highest voltage to which the current in the tube rises during an exposure

22. The X-ray Tube Three conditions must exist for x-rays to be produced:
A source of free electrons
High voltage to impart speed to the electrons
A target that is capable of stopping the electrons

23. The X-ray Tube
Anode
Cathode
Thermionic emission
Incandescence

24. Figure Sine wave of 60-cycle alternating current operating at 90,000 V (90 kVp). Ordinary household electric current is called 60-cycle alternating current because the current changes its direction of flow 60 times a second. During the time that the x-ray tube is producing x-rays, the cathode and the anode each change from negative to positive 60 times per second. The crest of the wave represents the maximum voltage when the current is moving in one direction, while the trough of the wave represents the maximum voltage when the current is moving in the other direction. The total cycle takes place in 1/60 sec. This alternation in current direction occurs every 1/120 sec (twice during each full cycle) on x-ray machines of conventional design. It produces the x-rays in a series of bursts, or impulses, rather than in a continuous flow.

25. The X-ray Tube Cathode (negative electrode) Anode (positive electrode)
Tungsten wire/filament
Focusing cup
Anode (positive electrode)
Target
Copper stem/radiator
Focal spot

26. Figure 3-10 Photograph of a dental x-ray tube.

27. Figure 3-11 Cross section of a filament wire
Figure Cross section of a filament wire. The filament wire in the cathode is heated to incandescence. The attached electrons are literally boiled out of the wire and become available as a source of free electrons, thus fulfilling the first requirement for x-ray production. The milliamperage setting determines the number of electrons available to be accelerated across to the target of the anode.

28. Electrical Circuits
Filament circuit provides low voltage (3–8 V) to the filament of the x-ray tube to provide the source of electrons needed for the production of x-rays
High-voltage circuit provides the high voltage (65– 100 kilovolts) necessary to accelerate the electrons from the cathode filament to the anode target

29. Transformers
Step-down transformer
Step-up transformer
Autotransformer

30. Operation of the Dental X-ray Machine
Assumptions
The radiographer is competent and can follow radiation safety protocol.
The radiographer performs all radiographic procedures in accordance with federal, state, and local regulations and recommendations.
Infection control is maintained throughout the procedure.

31. Operation of the Dental X-ray Machine
Assumptions
The procedure has been explained and the patient has given consent.
The patient has received verbal instructions and is able to cooperate with the procedure.
Image receptor holding devices are utilized for all intra-oral radiographs.

32. Review: Chapter Summary
All x-ray machines operate similarly and have the same components.
The control panel may be integrated with the x-ray machine tube head support, or it may be remote from the unit, mounted on a shelf or wall
There are five major controls that may be operated or will be pre-set on most dental x-ray machines.

33. Review: Chapter Summary
Three conditions must exist to produce x-rays.
Electric current flows into the x-ray machine and proceeds either through the step-down transformer or the step-up transformer.

34. Review: Chapter Summary
The beam of radiation that exits the port seal of the tube head is the primary or useful beam. The polychromatic beam must be filtered to allow only x-rays with sufficient energy to reach the oral structures.

35. Review: Chapter Summary
The radiographer must be familiar with the operation of the machine and the patient must understand the procedure and provide consent.

36. Recall: Study Questions
General
Chapter Review

37. Reflect: Case Study
To help you understand the practical use of altering exposure variables on a dental x-ray machine, consider the following patients with these characteristics:
A 9-year-old female, height 4’ 8” and weight 85 pounds, who has been assessed for bitewing radiographs to determine the evidence of caries.

38. Reflect: Case Study
A 21-year-old male college football player, height 6’ 1”, 280 pounds, who has been assessed for periapical radiographs of suspected impacted third molars.
A 58-year-old female, diagnosed with Bell’s palsy with slight head and neck tremors, who has been assessed for a full mouth series for the evaluation of periodontal disease.

39. Reflect: Case Study
Would you select an increased or decreased amount of radiation to produce diagnostic quality radiographic images for each of these patients?
Which of these three exposure variables — milliamperage, kilovoltage, or time — control(s) the amount of radiation produced?

40. Reflect: Case Study
Which exposure variable would be the best choice to alter to increase or decrease the amount of radiation produced for each of these patients?
Would you select an increased or decreased penetrating ability of the x-ray beam to produce diagnostic quality radiographic images for each of these patients?

41. Reflect: Case Study
Which of the three exposure variables — milliamperage, kilovoltage, or time —control(s) the penetrating ability of the x-ray beam?
Which exposure variable would be the best choice to alter to increase or decrease the penetrating ability of the x-ray beam?

42. Reflect: Case Study
Suppose that you wanted to decrease the amount of time of the exposure, as may be needed when patient movement is anticipated, (as in the case of patient 3) but still wanted to produce enough radiation to achieve a diagnostic quality radiographic image.

43. Reflect: Case Study
Which variable — milliamperage or kilovoltage — would you adjust? Would you increase or decrease this variable

44. Reflect: Case Study
Think of other characteristics patients may present with that would require you to adjust these x-ray machine variables. Keep in mind that increasing one factor may necessitate decreasing an opposing factor. Discuss the rationale for your choices.

45. Relate: Laboratory Application
Proceed to Chapter 3, Laboratory Application, to complete this activity.