Dental Assistant Practice Exam

Which of the following is a disadvantage of the bisecting angle technique?

1. Increased risk of distortion

2. Higher radiation exposure

3. Less image clarity

4. Longer procedure time

The correct answer is: Increased risk of distortion

The bisecting angle technique is a method used to capture dental radiographs, especially when the anatomy complicates the positioning of the film/sensor. One of the notable disadvantages of this technique is the increased risk of distortion. This distortion occurs due to the geometric nature of the technique, which involves the angle between the long axis of the tooth and the film/sensor. The technique requires the operator to aim the x-ray beam perpendicular to an imaginary line that bisects the angle between the long axis of the tooth and the plane of the film/sensor. If not executed correctly, this can lead to image distortion, affecting the accuracy of the diagnosis. In comparison, aspects such as higher radiation exposure tend to be associated more with other techniques or poor exposure settings rather than being a definitive disadvantage of the bisecting angle technique itself. Similarly, image clarity is typically better in other techniques like the paralleling method, which maintains more accurate distances and angles. The length of the procedure can vary based on various factors not solely attributable to this technique, making it less relevant as a key disadvantage compared to the risk of distortion. Understanding the implications of using the bisecting angle technique helps dental professionals make informed decisions about which method to use based on clinical scenarios