What is Radiopaque?

Radiopaque refers to an object or substance that appears opaque or white on a radiograph (x-ray image). This means that the object blocks or absorbs enough radiation to prevent it from passing through and reaching the film, making it visible on the x-ray image.

In contrast, radiolucent objects allow radiation to pass through and appear dark on an x-ray image, while radiotransparent objects allow some radiation to pass through but are not dense enough to block all of it, resulting in a partially transparent appearance.

Radiopaque objects can be either dense or soft tissues, such as bones, teeth, or metal implants. The ability of an object to block radiation and appear radiopaque is dependent on its density and composition, as well as the energy of the x-ray beam being used.