A panoramic radiograph shows a defect/shadow above the maxillary teeth. How do you correct this error?

Correct answer: A. Ask the patient to raise their tongue to the palate

• A. The dark shadow/band above the maxillary teeth is caused by the patient NOT placing their tongue on the palate during exposure. Air between the tongue and palate creates a radiolucent shadow over the maxillary roots. Correction: instruct the patient to PRESS their tongue against the palate throughout the entire exposure.
• B. Opening wider changes focal trough position — it does not fix the tongue-palate air gap shadow.
• C. Biting harder addresses focal trough positioning — not the tongue-palate air gap defect.
• D. Changing kVp affects image contrast/density — it does not address the tongue shadow artifact.