Patient Preparation

Remove metallic objects. Before patient positioning and x-ray exposure, it is necessary to remove all metallic objects in the head and neck region including eyeglasses, facial jewelry and especially necklaces, earrings, tongue rings, prosthetic devices that may incorporate metal such as hearing aids, and finally, the patient’s napkin (“bib”) chain. These items are capable of producing artifacts on the image both directly and indirectly, such as “ghost” projections or secondary images, all potentially interfering with diagnosis.

Although not required by law, many practices post signs adjacent to the panoramic unit as a reminder to both operators and patients regarding for the need to remove these items prior to exposure.