Some Frequent Mistakes during Preparation of Orthopantograms

Overview

X-ray examination is an integral part of the comprehensive examination of thepatient. Orthopantograms serve the overall evaluation of the state of teeth and the skeleton inthe orofacial area. The majority of mistakes on orthopantograms arises when setting thepatient’s head. The mistakes are above all due to the incorrect position of the head in relationto the imaging plane, incorrect inclination of the head in relation to the plane of the Frankfurthorizontal and lack of adherence to instructions on the part of the patient. The exposure valuesmust be always adjusted according to instructions of themanufacturer.Repeated exposure leadsto unnecessary burdening of the patient and staff. High standard roentgenograms are the basisof successful work of the dental surgeon.

Key words:
orthopantogram – positioning of the head – X-ray examination – errors duringimaging