What technique results in high-quality periapical X-rays with minimal distortion?

The technique that results in high-quality periapical X-rays with minimal distortion is the paralleling technique. This method involves positioning the film or sensor parallel to the long axis of the tooth being imaged, while the X-ray beam is directed perpendicularly to both the film and the tooth. This alignment helps to ensure that the resultant image is as accurate as possible, with less distortion of the tooth’s anatomical features.

Using the paralleling technique contributes to a clearer representation of the tooth's anatomy, as it reduces the angle at which the X-ray beam strikes the film. This minimizes the foreshortening or elongation of the image that can occur with other techniques, such as the bisecting angle technique, where the film and the tooth are not held in parallel, leading to increased distortion. Additionally, it facilitates consistency in positioning, making it easier to reproduce the same diagnostic quality in multiple images.

In contrast, other techniques like horizontal angulation do not specifically focus on the relationship between the film and the tooth, leading to inaccuracies in the projection. Moore's technique is less commonly used and may not adhere to the standard protocols established for the highest quality radiographic images. Therefore, the paralleling technique is overall recognized as the gold standard for