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Radiolucent vs Radiopaque: Understanding Dental Radiography Basics
Super short answer: Radiolucent – black (darker) areas on the X-rays as the radiolucent structures allow X-ray radiation to pass through them. These include pulp chambers within teeth, periodontal pockets, and abscesses. Radiopaque – white (lighter) areas on the X-rays as the material absorbs or blocks X-rays. These are usually enamel and dentin, fillings, crowns, veneers, and bones. When it comes to understanding dental radiography, two key terms that frequently arise are radiolucent and radiopaque. These terms describe how different structures appear on a dental X-ray, a diagnostic tool commonly used in dental practices to help identify various oral health issues. In this article, we will provide an in-depth understanding…