You are examining your patient's panoramic image.You notice that the molars and premolars on the right side are larger than the teeth on the left side.What patient positioning error did you make?
A)The patient's head was turned to the right.
B)The patient's head was turned to the left.
C)The patient is slumped.
D)The patient's teeth are behind the focal trough.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

If the patient's head is turned to the right,the teeth on the patient's right side would be closer to the receptor and would be smaller.If the patient's head is turned slightly to one side and not centered on the biteblock,the posterior structures on the side closest to the receptor appear smaller and the posterior structures on the side farthest from the receptor are larger.If the patient's head is turned to the left,the teeth on the patient's left side would be closer to the receptor and appear smaller and the teeth on the patient's right side would be magnified.When the patient is slouched,slumped,or not standing with the shoulders back,the x-ray beam passes through more of the cervical spine because the beam is angled upward at a negative vertical angulation (-10 degrees).The cervical spine appears as a radiopacity in the center of the image and obscures diagnostic information.If the patient's anterior teeth are aligned too far back on the biteblock or posterior to the focal trough,the teeth appear "fat" and out of focus on the image.The roots of the anterior teeth may appear to be cut off.

You Are Examining Your Patient's Panoramic Image