Radiology · single question
On a panoramic radiograph, the patient's TONGUE is not placed on the PALATE. What artifact does this create?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: B. A dark shadow/radiolucency over the anterior teeth/spine area (tongue drop artifact)
✓ B) Tongue drop = radiolucent shadow artifact over anterior spine/mandible on panoramic.
Panoramic positioning errors — Tongue drop: patient not placing tongue on palate → air space between tongue and palate → radiolucent band above mandibular anterior teeth/across the spine area, obscuring the maxillary anterior root apices. This can MIMIC periapical pathology or obscure pathology. CORRECTION: instruct patient to 'place tongue on the roof of your mouth for the entire exposure.' Other common pano errors: spine shadows (head too far forward), ghost images, double images, blurring from patient movement, cone cut.
Panoramic positioning errors — Tongue drop: patient not placing tongue on palate → air space between tongue and palate → radiolucent band above mandibular anterior teeth/across the spine area, obscuring the maxillary anterior root apices. This can MIMIC periapical pathology or obscure pathology. CORRECTION: instruct patient to 'place tongue on the roof of your mouth for the entire exposure.' Other common pano errors: spine shadows (head too far forward), ghost images, double images, blurring from patient movement, cone cut.