What does radiolucent mean in dental radiography?

In dental radiography, the term radiolucent refers to areas that allow x-ray photons to pass through the tissues without significant absorption, resulting in those areas appearing dark or black on the radiograph. This occurs because the structures that are radiolucent—such as dental pulp or dental cavities—do not impede the passage of x-rays. The more x-ray photons that successfully pass through these areas, the darker they appear on the film or digital sensor.

Conversely, other areas that are denser, such as bone or metal restorations, absorb more x-ray radiation, leading to lighter or white areas on the image. Understanding this concept is crucial for interpreting dental radiographs, as it helps in recognizing different tissues and their conditions.