In paralleling technique, where should the receptor be placed?

In paralleling technique, where should the receptor be placed?

• A. Perpendicular to the long axis of the tooth.
• B. Tangential to the tooth surface.
• C. Parallel to the long axis of the tooth.
• D. At an angle to the tooth axis.

Answer: (C)

Placing the receptor parallel to the tooth’s long axis is essential to avoid distortion in the paralleling technique. When the film or sensor lies alongside the tooth’s length, the X-ray beam can be directed perpendicular to the receptor, which makes the image true to the actual size and shape of the tooth. If the receptor is placed tangentially, at an angle to the tooth, or otherwise not parallel to the tooth’s axis, the resulting image will show elongation or foreshortening, misrepresenting anatomy. So, the receptor should be positioned parallel to the tooth’s long axis to produce an accurate, undistorted radiograph.

Placing the receptor parallel to the tooth’s long axis is essential to avoid distortion in the paralleling technique. When the film or sensor lies alongside the tooth’s length, the X-ray beam can be directed perpendicular to the receptor, which makes the image true to the actual size and shape of the tooth. If the receptor is placed tangentially, at an angle to the tooth, or otherwise not parallel to the tooth’s axis, the resulting image will show elongation or foreshortening, misrepresenting anatomy. So, the receptor should be positioned parallel to the tooth’s long axis to produce an accurate, undistorted radiograph.