(Periapical Technique Errors) Position-Indicating Device (PID) Alignment Problems

Question 1

What does a cone-cut image appear as?

Answer 1

Appears as a clear, unexposed area on a dental radiograph, and may occur with a rectangular or round PID.

Question 2

Cone-Cut with Beam Alignment Device

Answer 2

Appearance: A clear (unexposed) area is seen on the image.
Cause: the PID was not properly aligned with the periapical beam alignment device, and the x-ray beam did not expose the entire receptor.
Correction: Position the PID carefully.

Question 3

Cone-Cut without Beam Alignment Device

Answer 3

Appearance: A clear (unexposed) area is seen.
Cause: The PID was not directed at the center of the receptor, and the x-ray beam did not expose the entire receptor.
Correction: Position the PID carefully