What can lead to horizontal plane errors on an OPG?

Study for the BDA Radiography for Dental Nurses Exam. Prepare with multiple choice questions, each offering explanations. Master the radiographic principles and succeed on your test!

The choice indicating that if the patient’s head is rotated to one side can indeed lead to horizontal plane errors on an OPG (Orthopantomogram) because this misalignment causes distortion in the image. When the patient’s head is not positioned correctly in a straight orientation, certain anatomical features can appear compressed or elongated. This results in an inaccurate representation of the dental structures, making it difficult to evaluate them properly.

For an OPG to achieve accurate imaging, correct positioning is crucial. If the patient is tipped too far up, it typically results in vertical plane errors rather than horizontal. Incorrect development of the film affects the quality of the image but does not inherently lead to horizontal plane errors upon acquisition. Not having the patient's neck straight can cause some level of distortion, but the primary immediate cause of horizontal plane errors is rotation of the head. Therefore, correct head positioning is essential for producing a reliable panoramic radiograph.

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