What term is used for images on dental radiographs that appear white or light?

The term "radiopaque" describes structures or substances that appear white or light on dental radiographs. This is due to their ability to absorb or block the passage of X-rays. Radiopaque materials, such as enamel and bone, do not allow X-rays to penetrate easily; therefore, they stand out prominently against the darker background of the radiolucent areas, which represent tissues that allow X-rays to pass through more readily.

In contrast, radiolucent refers to areas that appear dark on a radiograph because those tissues are less dense and allow X-rays to pass through more easily. Radioresistant and radiosensitive are terms related to the response of tissues to radiation exposure, referring to how much damage they can withstand or their likelihood of developing malignancies after exposure. However, they do not pertain specifically to the imaging characteristics seen on radiographs. Thus, radiopaque is the appropriate term for describing the lighter areas seen on dental X-rays.