Which statement about ghost images in panoramic radiographs is false?

In panoramic radiography, ghost images are artifacts that can appear as duplicates of structures in the radiograph. These images can often create confusion when interpreting the results, particularly because they may overlap with important anatomical features.

The statement that ghost images are typically clear and well-defined is false because ghost images often lack clarity and definition. Instead, they tend to be less distinct, which makes it challenging for practitioners to accurately diagnose or assess the structures of interest. Ghost images occur when an object, such as jewelry or dental work, is located in the path of the X-ray beam and creates a duplicate image displaced from its original location, leading to a more blurry representation.

Furthermore, the other statements highlight characteristics of ghost images that are true. Ghost images can obscure normal anatomy due to their propensity to overlap and interfere with the interpretation of the actual structures in the panoramic view. They also tend to occur when the X-ray projection passes through dense objects, which can amplify their effect on the resulting image. Additionally, they may project over midline structures, causing further confusion in diagnosis. Understanding these nuances is crucial in dental imaging for accurate interpretation and patient care.