Radiology · single question
Sialolithiasis of the PAROTID gland. Which radiograph best aids in diagnosis?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: B. Lateral cephalometric / lateral oblique
- A. Incorrect. A periapical film is too small and intended for individual teeth; it cannot capture the parotid gland/Stensen's duct region.
- B. Correct. A lateral (cephalometric/oblique) projection best demonstrates a parotid calculus because the gland lies lateral-posterior over the ramus, outside the reach of an intraoral occlusal film.
- C. Incorrect. The occlusal (cross-sectional) film is the classic choice for SUBMANDIBULAR (Wharton's duct, floor of mouth) stones, not parotid stones.