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Radiology · single question

A periapical radiograph appears FORESHORTENED (teeth appear shorter than actual). What is the cause?

  1. Too much vertical angulation (beam too steeply downward)
  2. Too little vertical angulation (beam too horizontal)
  3. Cone cut
  4. Patient movement during exposure
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: A. Too much vertical angulation (beam too steeply downward)

  • A. Correct. FORESHORTENING = tooth image appears SHORTER than actual. This is caused by TOO MUCH VERTICAL ANGULATION — the X-ray beam is directed too steeply downward (in bisecting angle technique), causing the image to be compressed. Mnemonic: 'Too steep = shorter.' Opposite of elongation.
  • B. Incorrect. Too LITTLE vertical angulation (beam too horizontal) causes ELONGATION — the image appears longer than the actual tooth.
  • C. Incorrect. A cone cut is a partial exposure where part of the film/sensor is not exposed — it appears as a clear/light region on the image, not foreshortening.
  • D. Incorrect. Patient movement causes blur across the entire image — not foreshortening.

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