What effect does an increase in kVp have on x-ray penetration?

An increase in kilovolt peak (kVp) enhances the energy of the x-rays produced during a dental radiographic procedure. Higher kVp values result in x-rays that possess greater penetration power, allowing them to pass through denser tissues. This is because increasing the kVp raises the average energy of the x-ray photons, making them more likely to traverse various materials without being absorbed.

As x-ray energy increases, the ability to penetrate different tissue types improves, which is essential for obtaining clear images in dental radiography. A higher kVp is particularly valuable in situations where greater depth of penetration is necessary, such as imaging thicker anatomical structures. As a result, when kVp is increased, the x-ray beam's overall penetration capability is elevated, enabling more effective imaging.