Radiographic TechniqueQuestion 35 of 100
On a set of bitewings, the proximal contacts between the premolars are superimposed and cannot be read for caries. What should be corrected on the retake?
a.Increase the exposure time
b.Change the vertical angulation to +20 degrees
c.Direct the central ray through the contacts by correcting the horizontal angulation
d.Move the receptor closer to the lingual surface of the teeth
Explanation
Overlapped contacts are a horizontal angulation error; the central ray must pass directly through the interproximal spaces, perpendicular to the curve of the arch in that region. Exposure time affects density, not overlap. Vertical angulation controls length distortion, and shifting the receptor lingually does not correct the beam direction through the contacts.
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