187

Forensic

Dental

Radiography

riChard a. weems

Contents
10.1 Introduction 187
10.2 Dental X-ray Generators 1 88
10.3 The Radiographic Image and Image Receptors 189
10.4 Film Image Processing 191
10.5 Intraoral Radiographic Techniques 1 92
10.6 Biological Effects of X-rays 1 92
10.7 Radiation Protection 194
10.7.1 Maximum Permissible Dose 1 94
10.7.2 Personnel Monitoring 1 95
10.7.3 Handheld X-ray Devices 1 96
10.8 Radiographic Equipment in the Forefront of Forensic Dentistry
(CBCT) 196
10.9 Radiographic Pitfalls and Tips 1 99
10.9.1 Skeletal and Carbonized Remains 199
10.9.2 Issues with Duplicated Radiographs 1 99
10.9.3 Jaw Fragments 200
10.9.4 Panoramic 200
References 200

10.1 Introduction

Wilhelm Conrad Röentgen is deservedly recognized as the discoverer of

x-rays, but he was certainly not the first to produce these invisible rays of

energy. In fact, research and development spanning from 1831 until 1895

incrementally led to his discovery. This included work by Faraday, Geissler,

and Hittoff in creating and developing the first high-tension electrical evacu-

ated tubes, which produced what were named cathode rays within the device.

The cathode rays produced a spark caused by a stream of high-speed electrons

traversing a small gap and striking a metal target. This work was followed by

Sir William Crookes and Professor Heinrich Hertz, who demonstrated that

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