Formation of ghost images due to metal objects on the surface of the patient's face: A pictorial essay

Abstract

Panoramic radiographs are a relatively simple technique that is commonly used in all dental specialties. In panoramic radiographs, in addition to the formation of real images of metal objects, ghost images may also form, and these ghost images can hinder an accurate diagnosis and interfere with the accuracy of radiology reports. Dentists must understand the formation of these images in order to avoid making incorrect radiographic diagnoses. Therefore, the present study sought to present a study of the formation of panoramic radiograph ghost images caused by metal objects in the head and neck region of a dry skull, as well as to report a clinical case n order to warn dentists about ghost images and to raise awareness thereof. An understanding of the principles of the formation of ghost images in panoramic radiographs helps prevent incorrect diagnoses.

Prevalence of Errors and Number of Retakes in Panoramic Radiography: Influence of Professional Training and Patient Characteristics

“…The panoramic radiography has clinical importance in several dental specialties (Ramos et al, 2016), since it allows professionals to comprehensively visualize the dental arches and hard tissues of the maxillofacial region in a single image (Granlund et al, 2012;Devlin & Yuan, 2013;Ekströmer & Hjalmarsson, 2014;Suomalainen et al, 2015). In this radiographic technique, the two-dimensional projection of the curved structures of the jaws can be observed, due to the reciprocal movement of the X-ray source and the image receptor following a center of rotation that continuously moves according to the shape of the jaws (Langland & Langlais, 2002;Boeddinghaus & White, 2006;Ramos et al). During this movement, a three-dimensional curved focal plane (image layer) is created, similar to the dental arch (Langland & Langlais;Akarslan et al, 2003;Ramos et al), and only objects positioned in this region are sharp.…”

“…In this radiographic technique, the two-dimensional projection of the curved structures of the jaws can be observed, due to the reciprocal movement of the X-ray source and the image receptor following a center of rotation that continuously moves according to the shape of the jaws (Langland & Langlais, 2002;Boeddinghaus & White, 2006;Ramos et al). During this movement, a three-dimensional curved focal plane (image layer) is created, similar to the dental arch (Langland & Langlais;Akarslan et al, 2003;Ramos et al), and only objects positioned in this region are sharp. In this sense, to ensure that all regions of interest appear in the image, the correct positioning of the patient is important (Boeddinghaus & White;Dhillon et al, 2012;Ekströmer & Hjalmarsson;Rondon et al, 2014).…”

A retrospective institutional study of human age determination by evaluating the pulp length and width ratio of the maxillary lateral incisor on panoramic radiographs in Indonesian subjects

“… 20 This modality has many advantages; panoramic radiography is a simple, fast, low-cost, and comfortable procedure that obviates the need for taking repeated radiographs, has a low radiation dose, and can show the entire dentition in a single radiographic image. 21 22 23 Although the superimposition phenomenon of anterior teeth on panoramic radiographs is unavoidable, this phenomenon has been minimized as much as possible with the latest panoramic radiograph machines. 21 24 In addition, measurements can be made on single panoramic radiographs, which can be useful when a measurement is made on both sides.…”