Common Errors in Digital Panoramic Radiographs Taken in Rasht Dental School

The use of panoramic radiography has shown a remarkable expansion over thepast 20 years. Accurate positioning and preparation of patients is needed to avoid image distortion. The aim of this study was to evaluate the common errors on panoramic radiographs taken in the radiology department of Rasht dental school. The study sample included 390 digital panoramic radiographs taken in Rasht faculty of dentistry by a direct digital panoramic unit. Frequency of common errors including errors related to patient positioning and patient preparation in male andfemales were evaluated. There were 314 panoramic radiographs (81.5%) with errors. Errors related to the improper patient positioning were observed in 306 cases (78.5%). The most common error was palatoglossal air space (56.2%). There was no significant difference between males andfemales. The errors seen in panoramic radiographs were relatively high, thus trainingthe operators is essential to maximize the quality of panoramic radiographs.