WARNING: When performing the
operational check, keep the collimator covered with the lead cap.
When the X-ray machine is operational, prepare the panoramic film. Load the film into a cassette drum, label it, and then mount it in the cassette drum assembly on the X-ray machine. To load and mount the cassette drum, follow the manufacturer's instructions.
The cassette is labeled for the purposes of orientation and patient identification.
To properly orient the finished radiograph so you can distinguish the left from the right side of the patient's dentition, tape a lead letter "R" in the lower right-hand corner on the outside of the cassette cover.
There are two ways to label the cassette for patient identification. You can use a self-adhesive label or an X-ray film identification printer. Follow the manufacturer's instructions when using the printer. The patient information includes: the patient's name (last name, first name, and middle initial), family member prefix code, social security number, and the date of the exposure.
Follow the manufacturer's operating instructions for complete operation of the panoramic X-ray machine before you attempt to use it. The following is a list of important procedures that must be followed to ensure a good quality X-ray is produced.
Make sure patient's back and cervical spine are as straight as possible.
Check that the patient's mid-sagittal plane is centered within the unit.
Ensure the patient's frankfurt plane is horizontal.
Check that the anterior maxillary and mandibular teeth are located on the indents of the bite- block. If the patient's bite is abnormal, adjust mandible forward or backward to compensate.
Observe patient to assure there is no movement during the radiographic procedure.
With the machine operational and the film cassette drum in the cassette drum assembly, you are now ready to take the radiograph on the patient. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for patient positioning and operation. When the patient is positioned, explain the exposure procedures. Then make the exposure and process the film. You must wait 5 minutes between exposures to prevent overheating of the X-ray head.
The panoramic X-ray machine requires very little user maintenance. Wipe the metal and painted parts with a soft, dry cloth daily.
Never attempt to repair the panoramic X-ray machine yourself. Report malfunctions to your supervisor. All repairs are the responsibility of the dental equipment repair technician. 1-42