What will result in an air shadow appearing on an OPG?

An air shadow appearing on an Orthopantomogram (OPG) is primarily due to the patient not keeping their tongue pressed to the roof of their mouth during the imaging process. When the tongue is not in the correct position, an air space forms between the tongue and the roof of the mouth, which can create a shadow on the radiographic image. This shadow can obscure important anatomical details, leading to diagnostic challenges.

Positioning the tongue correctly is crucial for producing a clear and accurate image, as the radiographic technique requires an area free of air to avoid artifacts. Therefore, instructing the patient to maintain their tongue against the roof of their mouth is essential for minimizing air shadows and ensuring optimal image quality.