Frequently Asked Questions About Panoramic Radiography

Abstract

Q: What are these clear artifacts on our panoramic images?

A: Clear artifacts fall into four general categories:

1. Clear artifacts caused by metal or radio-opaque objects on or in the patient. Jewelry, eyeglasses, and radio-opaque dental prostheses should be removed before the radiograph is made (see Chapter 2).

2. Clear triangular shape in the lower anterior caused by improper position of the patient lead shield. Make sure the shield is placed low enough on the patient’s shoulder and neck so as not interfere with the X-ray beam (see Chapter 2).

3. Tube Side decal is visible on the developed image. With some systems a decal will appear when using film if the intensifying screens are inverted (inside out) or the film was not between the screens. For the Panoramic Corporation PC 1000, orient the screens so that the Tube Side decal is on the outside and the left and right markers (L and R) are inside. Make sure the Tube Side decal side of the screens is aligned with the “This Side Toward Tube” side of the cassette sleeve.