A case of sialolithiasis in the parotid gland — which radiograph is MOST helpful for diagnosis?

Correct answer: D. Lateral cephalometric radiograph

• A. Incorrect. Panoramic radiographs provide a broad survey but do not give the specific lateral detail needed to visualize the parotid duct region as clearly as a lateral cephalometric view.
• B. Incorrect. Occlusal radiographs are best for the SUBMANDIBULAR/SUBLINGUAL gland and Wharton's duct — not the parotid.
• C. Incorrect. Periapical radiographs cover only individual teeth — not the parotid gland region.
• D. Correct. A LATERAL CEPHALOMETRIC radiograph (or lateral skull radiograph) provides a lateral view that captures the PAROTID gland region and STENSEN'S DUCT area. Radiopaque sialoliths in the parotid duct are best visualized on a lateral view. (Note: For WHARTON'S DUCT in the submandibular gland, an occlusal radiograph is preferred.)