Periapical Radiographic Errors
Name Giselle Soler
For each error, write in your own words what the error is, how it occurs, and how to fix it. Draw a picture
of what it would look like on a radiograph. Use the criteria for acceptable radiographs packet and your
textbook. You may also create a Word document with pictures from the internet.
1. Apices cut off
a. Describe error: The apices (roots) of the tooth will on appear on the dental image.
b. How does it occur? problem with receptor placement, angulation, and/or beam
alignment
c. How do you fix it? The dental radiographer must adjust the RINN holder and PID so that
it extends beyond the apices.
2. Overlapped contact:
a. Describe error: overlapped contacts are seen on the image
b. How does it occur? The central ray was not directed through the interproximal spaces
c. How do you fix it? Proper use of RINN minimizes overlapped errors
3. Dot in incorrect place:
a. Describe error: This is another error of periapical, it could interfere with the
interpretation and diagnosis if placed incorrectly
b. How does it occur? Incorrect placement of dental film
c. How do you fix it? Always keep in mind that the dot goes in the slot for PA’s
4. Too posterior:
a. Describe error: the area trying to capture will not be captured entirely, distal surfaces
or mesial surfaces will be missing from the image.
b. How does it occur? The receptor was positioned too posteriorly in the mouth.
c. How do you fix it? Make sure to the PID and receptor are aligned to each other, and the
receptor is placed in the correct area.
5. Too anterior:
a. Describe error: the area trying to capture will not be captured entirely, distal surfaces
or mesial surfaces will be missing from the image
b. How does it occur? The receptor was positioned too anteriorly in the mouth.
c. How do you fix it? Make sure to the PID and receptor are aligned to each other and the
receptor is placed in the correct area.
6. Occlusal plane not horizontal:
a. Describe error: the image will appear overlapped
b. How does it occur? The PID was positioned incorrectly, not horizontally
c. How do you fix it? Reposition the PID to a horizontal position, making sure is directed
through the interproximal spaces
7. Cone cut:
a. Describe error: A clear (unexposed) area is seen on the image
b. How does it occur? This occurs when the PID was not properly aligned with the beam
alignment device
c. How do you fix it? to avoid this, make certain that the PID and the aiming ring are
aligned
8. Bent:
a. Describe error: The image will appear stretched and distorted
b. How does it occur? This happens due to improper handlining, the receptor is now
damaged.
c. How do you fix it? buy a new one. (Take care of the receptor to avoid bending or
creasing). Ask the patient to gently bite down when taking occlusal images.