What term is used for a material that stops or absorbs x-rays and appears light gray to white on an image?

The term "radiopaque" refers to materials that are capable of stopping or absorbing x-rays, resulting in a lighter appearance on radiographic images. When x-rays pass through the body, tissues and materials with varying densities affect how much of the x-rays are absorbed versus how many pass through to reach the film or sensor. Dense materials, such as bone or certain metals, absorb more x-rays and thus appear on the radiograph as light gray or white areas. This characteristic is essential in dental radiography, as it helps clinicians identify different structures and conditions within the oral cavity.

In contrast, "radiolucent" materials allow x-rays to pass through more readily and thus appear darker on the image. "Radiographic" broadly refers to anything related to radiography, but does not specifically describe the x-ray absorption characteristics. "Radiodontic," while it may sound related to dentistry, is not a widely recognized term in radiographic contexts. Understanding these differences is crucial for accurately interpreting radiographs and diagnosing dental conditions.