Common Errors on Conventional and Digital Panoramic Radiographs

Identification of common technical errors during preparation of panoramic radiographs, how affect the quality and interpretation of the radiographs and the techniques used to deal with such errors, might help prevent unnecessary radiation to patients and save their time and money. The current study aimed to identify common errors in the panoramic radiographs taken by post-graduate students in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, Faculty of Dentistry, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences. A total of 220 conventional and digital panoramic radiographs of patients who were referred to the Department of Radiology were selected for the current study. All the radiographs had been taken by the post-graduate radiology students. The radiographs were evaluated by two oral and maxillofacial radiologists, under standard visualization conditions, to identify technical errors. From the evaluated radiographs, 193 (87.7%) had one or more technical errors. The most common error was twisting of the head to one side (31.8%), followed by superimposition of the palatoglossus air space on the apices of maxillary incisors (30.9%). The errors identified in the present study might be attributed to a lack of proper verbal communication between the patients and the post-graduate students, which necessitates continuous education of operators who take panoramic radiographs.