All of the following are basic principles of the paralleling technique EXCEPT

In dental radiography, the paralleling technique is a method used for taking periapical radiographs that ensures the accuracy and quality of the images obtained. The fundamental principles involve maintaining a parallel relationship between the film and the long axis of the tooth, which minimizes distortion and provides a clear image of the tooth’s anatomy.

The first principle states that the film must be parallel to the long axis of the tooth. This is crucial for producing an accurate representation of the tooth structure. Additionally, directing the x-ray beam perpendicularly to both the tooth and the film is essential. This perpendicular alignment ensures that there is no foreshortening or elongation of the tooth image, allowing for better diagnosis.

Utilizing a 16-inch extension or long cone is also a principle of this technique. This long cone design serves to reduce the radiation dose to the patient while ensuring more focused and less divergent x-ray beams reach the film, enhancing image sharpness.

However, using an 8-inch short cone is not a principle of the paralleling technique. While a shorter cone may be used in some other techniques, it leads to increased divergence of the x-ray beam. As a result, this could lead to lower quality images with more distortion, which does not